However, such transgressions are quite common and are often ignored by employers.
”Employers often think that if they are flexible on this issue, their employees will be more flexible as well, and will do a better job,” says Anu-Tuija Lehto, a lawyer at the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions.
Dishonesty in the workplace is more than just stealing pens, batteries or other office supplies. It includes taking care of personal business during working hours, going to the store or surfing the internet. Many workers consider such activities the norm, even though they could lose their jobs for it.
Meanwhile, Finland does not keep records on workers whose contracts have been terminated due to dishonesty. However, it's typical for employees who are let go for being dishonest to go quietly. For example, no disgruntled employees fired for dishonesty have ever taken their case to a higher court.