The Finnish government has announced the existence of a new research project titled ‘Towards non-discrimination in working life’, which provides current information on discrimination in Finnish workplaces.
The project, which is carried out by the Labour Institute for Economic Research (PT) and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), seeks to provide an overview of discrimination in working life and to identify ways of preventing discrimination, particularly in recruitment situations.
The project does not question the existence of discrimination in the labor market, but rather tries to identify its different forms. Its ultimate goal is to strengthen non-discrimination, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment explained in a press release.
"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," the Ministry says.
The study 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.
Anonymous applications
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.
"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," the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment emphasized.
The project is conducted as part of the Government’s analysis, assessment and research activities.
