A research project seeks to achieve equality and non-discrimination in working life

A new research project titled ‘Towards non-discrimination in working life’ provides current information on discrimination in Finnish workplaces. The project seeks to provide an overview of discrimination in working life and to identify ways of preventing discrimination, particularly in recruitment situations. The project is carried out by the Labour Institute for Economic Research (PT) and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).

It is the Government’s objective to strengthen non-discrimination, gender equality and employment. It is therefore important to have access to detailed and current information on discrimination in workplaces, as well as effective ways of preventing discrimination. The need to strengthen the recruitment and diversity skills of employers has also been included in the Government Programme.

Research produces information on workplace discrimination in different population groups

Various studies show that discrimination occurs in recruitment, during employment relationships and upon termination of employment. The part of the study carried out by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare assesses the ability of different materials studied to portray workplace discrimination in its different forms.

It examines discrimination from various perspectives, such as gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, language, religion, disability or health status. An analysis of the compiled data helps to address discrimination and its prevention and to promote equality and non-discrimination in working life.

Assessing best recruitment practices 

The part of the study conducted by the Labour Institute for Economic Research focuses on the best practises to prevent discrimination in recruitment. One of the methods being assessed is anonymous applications. The study compiles the results of national and international scientific research, and good practices in different countries. Based on the analysis, recommendations will be made to decision-makers and working life policy-makers on how to prevent and address discrimination in recruitment in Finland.

The project is conducted as part of the Government’s analysis, assessment and research activities.

Inquiries:

Seija Jalkanen, Chief Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 048 952, [email protected]
Ohto Kanninen, Research Coordinator, Labour Institute for Economic Research (PT), tel. +358 9 2535 7348, [email protected]
Shadia Rask, Research Manager, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), tel. +358 9 524 8537, [email protected]