Helsinki City Guide - Business Etiquette

Standard office hours are from 0800 to 1700, although flexible hours are very common. Lunch is the main meal of the day and is taken usually between 1200 and 1400. Helsinkiläiset (Helsinkians) are punctual to the minute, always alerting a colleague of an impending delay, even if it is a matter of minutes - lateness is seen as a discourtesy.

Bertold Brecht is famed for saying that the 'Finns are silent in two languages' (Swedish is also an official language, spoken by a sizable minority). They are a naturally reserved people and do not like speaking for the sake of it. Garrulous people are sometimes viewed with suspicion. When meeting for the first time, a handshake is customary, as is formal dress (suit and tie for men) but Helsinkiläiset are not flashy; dress is more smart-casual and women often wear trouser suits. Business cards are essential.

Meetings and business deals are often conducted by telephone or at a sauna. Although these places are traditionally regarded as retreats, meetings often take place in these relaxed and less formal environments. Helsinkiläiset are completely unabashed about going au naturel into the sauna, which are sometimes mixed gender, although there are usually separate saunas for men and women and some sort of wrap is on hand. Saunas are never mixed in a business connection.

If invited to someone's house for dinner, lateness (over 10 minutes) is seen as a discourtesy. Shoes are usually removed before entering the house and a gift for the host, such as a bottle of wine or a bunch of flowers, is well received.