Finns are straightforward, solutions-orientated and very productive
There are over 32,000 research personnel in Helsinki.
When the old ways no longer work, we need to find new ways, by breaking down the barriers between disciplines. Helsinki has more than 50,000 enterprises using the synergy of innovation between research, knowledge and high technology applications. Key corporations such as Nokia create collaborative clusters of smaller companies around them that attract foreign investment. It is a challenging and rewarding work environment.
Practicality also makes us keep our promises: we know that acting ethically is profitable for a small nation in the world market. Our high standing in global metrics of transparency and competitiveness confirm this. If you share our honest practicality, you will enjoy working in Helsinki.
The world is now flat, and compact Helsinki sits at the centre of a new map of global trade and innovation. If you wish to work at the centre of ideas that are reshaping the world, then come and join us - the quarter of the Finnish population who live and work in Helsinki. The city is central to every sphere of Finnish society from public administration, to economics, sciences and the arts.
Quick journeys to work in Helsinki
Modern working life in Helsinki is easier compared to the larger metropolises of the world. For example, the average journey to work in Helsinki is 6.2 km (3.9 miles), which takes up to 30 minutes during rush hour. In Central London the average journey to work is 14 km (8.7 miles), which can take up to an hour, and sometimes considerably more.
In downtown Helsinki, the journey to work is most often done by tram. There are 12 tram lines in Helsinki.
The Metro is another quick and safe way to travel. The journey time between stations is one to two minutes. The peak-hour train frequency is approximately 4 minutes and off-peak 5 minutes.
A single ticket costs €2 - 2.20 ($3 - $3.40) and is valid for 60 minutes from the moment of purchase, however, most frequent travellers have travel cards. There are an estimated 700,000 of them in daily use.
Currently the Helsinki is gearing up for major expansions to its metro, commuter rail, tram and bus networks. A western metro line extension is already set to go ahead and should be up and running in 2012, by which time the whole metro system is scheduled to be fully automated with driverless cars enabling shorter time-intervals in between trains. There are also plans to establish new peripheral east-west commuter train and bus lines. Extensions to the tram network are also underway.
The general consensus is for further development of the public transportation system, but according to studies other means to lower the use of private cars may be needed in the future as passenger cars still account for 85 per cent of all transport nationwide.
At the moment Helsinki has a wide network of Park and Ride parking areas near stations, terminals and bus stops and some companies offer subsidised travel passes to encourage their employees to use public transport.
All in all, one should bear in mind that the healthiest way to travel to work is on foot or bicycle. In the summer you can even borrow a "Citybike" for a two euro (3 USD) deposit.