According to the report by EVA research chief Ilkka Haavisto, people in younger age groups place special emphasis on the value of free time. By every measure, work means less to the young than it does to their older counterparts.
Work, it was found, for the Finns means first and foremost income, but also social relationships, and a basis for constructing identity and competence. Job security is considered more important than a big salary, high status or opportunities for advancement.
The traditional concepts of work being of value in itself, or work as the duty of all, have lost much of their appeal.
Along with the latest economic recession, many values and attitudes have shown a shift from only one year ago. There has been an upswing in appreciation of economic growth. In contrast, there has been a clear decline in voicing concern about, for example, the threat of climate change.
The results of the EVA study were based on answers provided by some 3000 people, collected between mid-January and the end of February.