Harassment at work — Aluehallintovirasto · Finland

Direct answer

Employers have a legal duty to protect you from harassment and bullying by colleagues, managers or customers, and must have a procedure for it. Keep a diary from today: date, what happened, who saw it. Report it in writing to the employer (HR, the confidential adviser, the works council). If nothing happens or it gets worse, Aluehallintovirasto — työsuojelu (0295 016 620) inspects psychosocial risks at work in Finland; Ammattiliittosi (SAK, STTK, Akava) (sak.fi) represents you; if the harassment is about sex, origin or another protected ground, Yhdenvertaisuusvaltuutettu / Tasa-arvovaltuutettu (0295 666 817) is the equality body.

Call firstAluehallintovirasto — työsuojelu

Report toAmmattiliittosi (SAK, STTK, Akava)

If that failsYhdenvertaisuusvaltuutettu / Tasa-arvovaltuutettu

🗣️ What to say

"Since [date] I have been subjected to [behaviour] by [name/role], for example on [dates]. This affects my health and my work. I ask you to investigate, to take measures to stop it, and to confirm in writing what you will do. I am keeping a record of incidents."

🪜 Step by step

Diary from todayFacts, dates, witnesses, emails. Keep it at home.
See your doctorIf it affects your sleep or health. A medical record is evidence and protects you if you need leave.
Report in writing to the employerTo HR or the confidential adviser; keep a copy. The employer must investigate.
Nothing happens: Aluehallintovirasto — työsuojeluLabour inspectorates handle psychosocial risks; a complaint triggers an inspection.
Protected ground: Yhdenvertaisuusvaltuutettu / Tasa-arvovaltuutettuSexual harassment and harassment tied to origin, religion, disability etc. is discrimination — the equality body helps with a claim.

📇 All contacts

Aluehallintovirasto — työsuojeluLabour inspectorate: advice, inspections, ordersAs soon as the wages are late📞 0295 016 620 🔗 www.tyosuojelu.fi

Ammattiliittosi (SAK, STTK, Akava)Advice and legal aid for membersFor members; you can join right away🔗 www.sak.fi

Yhdenvertaisuusvaltuutettu / Tasa-arvovaltuutettuAdvice and supervision on discriminationFor discrimination at work, housing, services📞 0295 666 817 🔗 syrjinta.fi

Rikosuhripäivystys (RIKU) — 116 006Free victim support, help with compensationAfter any crime📞 116 006 🔗 www.riku.fi

❓ Frequently asked

Can I refuse to work with the harasser?

You can ask for measures — a different team, no contact — and the employer must consider them. Leaving without agreement is risky; get advice first.

I want to resign

A resignation caused by unaddressed harassment can count as a dismissal with compensation in many countries — but only if you complained first and it is documented. Talk to Ammattiliittosi (SAK, STTK, Akava) before resigning.

Can I record conversations?

Rules differ; in many countries recording a conversation you are part of is allowed as evidence, secretly recording others is not. Ask Ammattiliittosi (SAK, STTK, Akava).

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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