Sitra memorandum: A language-aware workplace opens doors – Kielibuusti provides practical models for employers

In Sitra’s memorandum published in September 2026, Language proficiency expectations at work, the language proficiency expectations of eight sector clusters are highlighted, along with the potential to tap into international talent and solutions for developing more language‑aware workplaces. The memorandum’s core message is clear: sectors include roles where strong Finnish or Swedish is essential, and roles where one can start working in English or with developing proficiency in a national language. Therefore, expectations should be assessed task by task and aligned with the job’s real responsibilities, communication situations, and regulatory requirements. 

In the memorandum, the Steps toward language awareness in the workplace model, developed in the Kielibuusti project, is applied to describe and compare sectors’ language‑proficiency expectations. The model is designed to serve as a foundation for planning language‑aware practices. It can be used to assess the current state of such practices and to guide their further development. 

The memorandum states that a more language‑aware workplace can be achieved through practical measures. These include, for example, language‑aware recruitment, multilingual and visual materials, buddy systems and language mentors, clear communication, language learning during working hours, and agreed practices for the parallel use of languages. Kielibuusti’s extensive material bank for employers provides concrete tools and models for practical implementation. 

According to the memorandum, strict proficiency requirements in the national languages are a major reason why the skills of international talent already in Finland go underutilized. Language‑aware practices open up a broader talent pool for workplaces and support the retention of international professionals. With the support of Kielibuusti’s materials, these practices also become embedded in everyday work. 

The materials are available free of charge on Kielibuusti’s website. 

More information

Sanni Heinzmann
Kielibuusti project | Aalto University Language Centre 
Sanni.heinzmann@aalto.fi