Sick leave in Finland has decreased dramatically since the government recommended that people work from home whenever they can, according to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs.
According to the report, sick leave fell by 30 percent.
The decline appears to be even greater in the public sector. The decline for civil servants and government employees was 50 percent.
This reduction in absenteeism has positive economic effects, according to the report.
"On the other hand, coronavirus testing and the use of health services have increased, although not due to teleworking itself," the report states.
Finland recommended teleworking where possible in March, and this month it extended the recommendation at least until the end of the year.
About 70 per cent of public administration employees work telework and 59 per cent of the workforce.
The state has also saved money on travel during the pandemic, and Hansel is saving taxpayers around โฌ 100 million through public procurement.
At the individual level, the difference is small, but in large organizations, savings increase from canceled conference trips, although it has had a negative financial impact on companies hosting and serving such events.
However, workplaces where it is not possible to switch to telework have had to spend more money on protective measures for workers who are closely connected with each other and the public.
Source: The Nordic Page