Summer in Finland is a short but truly magical time. With seemingly endless daylight, the promise of tranquil cottage getaways, and a wonderfully slower pace in the cities, it’s a period many Finns eagerly anticipate. For our GIMsters at GIM Robotics, where a large amount of our talent comes from outside Finland, this season offers both wonderful opportunities to experience Finnish culture firsthand and unique considerations for those with different backgrounds. Our goal is simple: we want to ensure that everyone feels right at home and can truly embrace the longer, warmer days of Finnish summer while staying connected to their own roots.  

Understanding the Rhythm of Finnish Summer Leave

One of the first things a new GIMster might notice about Finnish summer is the extended holiday period, especially in July. It's common for Finns to take several weeks off consecutively, heading to their mökki's (summer cottages) or traveling both within Finland and to Southern Europe. This deeply rooted tradition significantly impacts project timelines and team availability, so planning ahead is key. We encourage teams to discuss their summer leave plans early to ensure project continuity and prevent unexpected bottlenecks. If you're new to this rhythm, don't hesitate to talk with your colleagues for clarity on how your projects will be managed during these quieter weeks.

Finnish summer is rich with unique experiences. If you haven't spent a Midsummer (Juhannus) in the archipelago or inland lake cities with bonfires, saunas, swimming, and cherished time with loved ones in a (hopefully) beautiful, warm, and sunny Finnish nature, you haven't quite experienced a real Finnish Juhannus yet! Not all Finns relocate to lakeside cottages; some love the quiet city life during that weekend as well, and that can be another extraordinary experience when the capital city streets feel wonderfully empty on a Friday evening. Since the pandemic, remote work has also become more common during summer, offering people the opportunity to enjoy hybrid work advantages with evenings spent at the cottage while working during the day.

Respecting Diverse Summer Customs

While we wholeheartedly encourage everyone to experience Finnish summer, we also deeply respect that our non-Finnish colleagues have their own cultural traditions and ways of enjoying the warmer months. Some might prefer to visit family abroad, celebrate specific holidays not recognized in Finland, or simply have different expectations for summer relaxation. We aim to accommodate these needs with our various leave options, hybrid working model, and flexible working hours. It's always a good idea to discuss your individual needs with your Line Manager well in advance so that resourcing and project needs can be met for every team.  

Communication during Summer

With colleagues taking time off, staying connected can sometimes be challenging, especially when communication shifts from in-person to more asynchronous methods. Even if the majority of our GIMsters speak Finnish, we've established English as our official company language, which ensures clarity for everyone, especially during the summer months.

Our vacation checklist, shared with every GIMster at the beginning of summer, helps ensure that communication channels (emails, Slack, etc.) have their correct status and out-of-office messages include clear return dates and alternative contact persons. This thoughtful approach allows us to respect our GIMsters' well-deserved time off and keep non-urgent messages and updates in channels that don't demand real-time responses.

Ready to dive into Finnish summer culture? Here are some ideas to get you started:

Ultimately, our goal at GIM Robotics is to ensure every GIMster, whether you're a long-time local or new to Finland, feels fully supported to enjoy the summer season. By understanding our unique rhythms, embracing local traditions, and respecting everyone's personal customs, we can all make the most of this special time.