Esperi focuses on language skills of foreign care workers

By admin On Apr 5, 2025

image: Lehtikuva

Esperi has increased efforts to support Finnish language learning among care workers who have moved to Finland from abroad. The company employs a growing number of international staff across its care homes.

The organisation considers communication a central element of successful collaboration. Language learning supports integration into the workplace and Finnish society. It also forms the basis for professional development.

Varpu Ahtonen, HR specialist for international staff, said that Finnish studies start in the recruits’ home countries. “Employment requires a minimum language level of A2.2,” she said. “In Finland, training continues to level B1.1, which is the official requirement for care professionals.”

Esperi offers several tools for language development. Staff use mobile games, dialogue exercises, and a new virtual learning environment. This includes digital simulations of care home spaces and practical vocabulary. The virtual environment covers resident rooms, living areas, and hygiene facilities.

Most foreign workers are trained nurses. Through apprenticeship training, they study Finnish health care practices, legislation, and pharmacology in Finnish. Completion of the programme grants professional rights from Valvira. With work experience and improved language skills, some later qualify as nurses under the Finnish system.

“The training is designed for professionals who have moved to Finland,” said Ahtonen. “The feedback has been positive.”

Esperi requires staff to use Finnish from the beginning. Orientation includes materials in English to support safety and understanding. English or interpreters are allowed in early phases of instruction when necessary. “Still, Finnish is used from the start in daily situations,” Ahtonen added.

Colleagues play an important role in supporting language learning. An open culture and psychologically safe environment are central. If progress slows, workers may attend additional professional language courses. Other factors such as homesickness or adjustment difficulties may also affect learning. Support is available through occupational health services.

At Hoivakoti Laune, Kaija Julkunen, unit director, said: “We encourage staff to speak Finnish and participate actively in conversations.”

A care assistant named Capella, originally from the Philippines, begins questions in Finnish but switches to English when unsure. Julkunen encourages continuing in Finnish. “My colleagues help if I say something wrong,” Capella said. “Their support means a lot.”

Tilini, from Sri Lanka, has lived in Finland for five years and now speaks Finnish fluently. A Finnish citizen, she is studying to become a practical nurse through an apprenticeship at Hoivakoti Laune. “I read Finnish books, listen to easy news, and talk a lot,” she said. “Finnish videos on YouTube help, too.”

Youssef, a care assistant, and Rose, a practical nurse, said improved language skills helped them settle in Finland. “It’s easier to talk with residents and colleagues when we share a language,” said Rose. “It also helps with everyday things like shopping.”

“Colleagues are helpful and explain new words,” said Youssef.

Understanding Finnish culture is also seen as essential. Silence, privacy, and punctuality are common expectations. “Time is seen through the clock in Finland,” Ahtonen said. “In other cultures, time can be understood more flexibly.”

Esperi includes training on Finnish work culture in its home country orientation. All foreign employees also receive material for self-study in Finnish and information on Finnish laws and employment practices.

This spring, Esperi will release an online course for Finnish staff. It is titled Inclusive Work Community and aims to support respectful and effective collaboration across cultural lines.

“These investments support equal workplaces where everyone’s skills are recognised,” Ahtonen said.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi