The director general of Finland's Social Insurance Institution has issued a public apology following controversial remarks about the agency's workforce. Lasse Lehtonen expressed regret for what he called "ill-considered language" during a crisis board meeting held Wednesday evening.
The emergency session addressed deteriorating relations between Kela management and employees, sparked by a recent staff survey showing poor results and controversial comments from leadership. Board chairman Vertti Kiukas described the two-hour remote meeting as "serious-minded" and constructive.
Lehtonen specifically apologized for public statements suggesting Kela had no particular need to "hold onto its staff" given current economic conditions. Employees had found these remarks offensive and dismissive. The director general acknowledged his word choices were inappropriate and failed to show proper respect for Kela professionals.
This controversy emerges alongside Kela's new remote work policy requiring employees to work from offices at least once weekly or four times monthly starting next year. The policy has generated significant discontent among staff members who had grown accustomed to more flexible arrangements during the pandemic.
The timing presents particular challenges as Finland's government prepares budget cuts affecting Kela. Functional dialogue between management and staff becomes crucial for navigating these financial constraints while maintaining service quality.
Recent staff survey results reveal deeper issues within the organization's culture. Only 23% of Kela employees consider top management decisions clear and justified. Just 21% would recommend Kela as an employer, indicating significant morale problems.
Board chairman Kiukas emphasized that increasing office presence represents normal practice in today's work environment. He noted requiring one office day weekly aligns with general labor market standards, possibly even leaning toward more liberal policies.
Kela plays a vital role in Finnish society, administering essential social security benefits including health insurance, unemployment benefits, and family allowances. The agency employs thousands of professionals across Finland, making staff-management relations critical for national welfare services.
This situation reflects broader tensions in post-pandemic work arrangements across Nordic countries. Many Finnish organizations are reevaluating remote work policies that became standard during COVID-19 restrictions. The transition back to hybrid models has created friction in multiple sectors.
Lehtonen assumed the director general position in June after his election in April. His early tenure now focuses on repairing staff relations and improving internal communication. The director general pledged to carefully review employee feedback and increase dialogue about upcoming organizational changes.
The Kela board plans to continue monitoring the situation while supporting management-staff reconciliation efforts. Parliamentary supervisors will discuss the matter in their scheduled meeting next week.
What remains unclear is how quickly trust can be rebuilt between leadership and employees. The apology represents a necessary first step, but substantive changes to management approach and communication style will determine whether this crisis leads to meaningful improvement or further deterioration in workplace relations.