One size does not fit all in occupational health care- a new model responds to the needs of small workplaces

Finnish Institute of Occupational Health media release 3 November 2025

Small workplaces are a significant employer in Finland: approximately 97 per cent of companies are micro or small enterprises, and they employ approximately 40 per cent of all employees in the business sector. Considering that such a significant number of Finns work in small companies, their occupational health practices have a tangible impact on work ability and well-being throughout work life.

However, there is often uncertainty related to the organization of occupational health care specifically in small companies: the costs are considered high and agreements are perceived as unclear. The benefits, on the other hand, are easily overlooked.

"There needs to be a better understanding of the role and benefits of occupational health care for small workplaces. Well-functioning occupational health co-operation can improve well-being at work and reduce sickness absences. This is particularly important in small workplaces where each employee's contribution is of great importance," says Tarja Säily, Medical Specialist at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.

Co-operation starts with the needs of the workplace

The new operational model helps build effective occupational health co-operation and offers practical ways for occupational health care professionals to support small workplaces based on their own needs. Appropriately sized and targeted measures can help manage costs and support work ability proactively and effectively.

"Both workplaces and occupational health care professionals have requested more clarity and flexibility in occupational health co-operation. The needs of small workplaces can differ significantly from those of larger organizations. That is why measures must be planned according to the situation, size and resources of the workplace," Säily emphasises.

The operational model brings together the key processes of occupational health co-operation: the entering into a contract, risk assessment and workplace survey, action plan and followup and the evaluation of co-operation - and helps to adapt all of this to the daily life of a small workplace. The starting point is that the workplace manages the collaboration and occupational health care acts as an expert and provides support.

“A clear division of labour, joint planning and continuous dialogue ensure that occupational health cooperation is not reduced to individual measures, but that it supports the smooth flow of daily work and well-being at work,” says Hanna-Reetta Brummert, Senior Specialist at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.

Developed together, accessible to everyone

The operational model was produced using joint development methods together with occupational health care service providers, representatives from small workplaces and experts from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. It offers occupational health care professionals practical suggestions and functional solutions for cooperating with small workplaces.

"The model is based on practical experiences and observations of what really works in the daily operations of small workplaces. It helps us to understand which measures are necessary and where you can be flexible, if necessary," says Brummert.

The operational model is primarily aimed at occupational health care providers, but it is also beneficial for small workplaces and entrepreneurs. The model is also available on the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health website. It will also be included in the Good Occupational Health Care Practice guidelines, which are currently under revision. 

More information about the new operational model

• Download the model (in Finnish): 
  Pienten työpaikkojen työterveyshuollon toimintamalli (PDF)
• The "Uudistuva työterveyshuolto" (reforming occupational health care) page offers instructions and operational models for occupational health care professionals and workplaces. Link to the page (in Finnish): ttl.fi/uudistuva-tyoterveyshuolto
• The operational model has been implemented in the The Mental Health Toolkit project, which is part of The Mental Health at Work Programme. The project is funded by Finland's Sustainable Growth Programme through the European Union’s one-time recovery tool (Next Generation EU) via the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.   

Further information

• Tarja Säily, Medical Specialist, The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, tarja.saily@ttl.fi, 050 302 6816
• Hanna-Reetta Brummert, Senior Specialist, The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, hanna-reetta.brummert@ttl.fi, 040 559 4748