Palta set out to make the Finnish service sector a more inclusive and attractive place for people from all backgrounds.
Partnering with Inklusiiv, they organised a learning programme that supported both staff and member companies with skills and confidence to take action.
Preparing the service sector for a more diverse future
Palta, the Service Sector Employers’ Association, represents about 2,600 companies – from Finland’s largest employers to small enterprises. In 2025, Palta joined the Finnish Government’s ‘We Speak with Actions’ campaign, which furthered their commitment to advance equality and non-discrimination.
Palta already had clear goals and a concept to further this commitment. With Inklusiiv’s support, these objectives were refined and implemented in practice.
“Inklusiiv invested time in understanding our learning goals, and it showed. They designed a learning programme that is tailored and practical for us.” – Jasmiina Ruotsila, Communications and Sustainability Advisor, Palta
Multicultural workplace as a competitive advantage
The collaboration began with a two-part training for Palta’s member companies that emphasised how multicultural and inclusive workplaces can be a competitive advantage.
- The first session covered the topics of multiculturalism and multilingualism, and the barriers to building multicultural teams.
- The second session then moved into cultural awareness – how to bring these themes into workplace culture and what skills companies need to develop.
Participants left with tools and readiness not only to attract international talent but also to retain and support employees from diverse backgrounds.
Continuous skills development for Palta staff in an evolving service sector
Palta wanted its team to deepen their understanding of inclusion in an increasingly multicultural and multilingual service sector.
We organised a training which connected these ongoing changes in Finnish working life to Palta’s mission and provided a space to reflect on current and future practices. Staff left with concrete steps and examples, and more confidence to bring inclusion into their work and member services.
Company dialogues as a way to find concrete solutions
In June, Palta hosted two company dialogues to gain new perspectives and explore concrete ways to improve working life for international professionals in Finland.
The aim was to discuss how to prevent discrimination and what would support the recruitment and participation of international talent in Finnish workplaces.
The dialogues, facilitated by Inklusiiv following the National Dialogue model, brought together representatives from member companies and international professionals.
“Inklusiiv created a safe space where participants from different cultural and professional backgrounds could truly be present and speak openly. Their skilful facilitation allowed us to step back and listen to the conversations – and that gave us insights we couldn’t have accessed otherwise. These discussions helped us understand more concretely how we can build a united Finland with everyone in mind.” – Milka Kortet, Senior Advisor, Education and Competence, Palta
Impact across the service industry
Through this collaboration, Palta strengthened their ability to support members and reinforced its role in building inclusive working life.
- Staff deepened their understanding of inclusive practices in an increasingly multicultural and multilingual service sector and increased confidence to integrate them into their work.
- Member companies received tools, examples, and ideas to create workplaces that attract and support international talent. With this stronger foundation, they became more engaged with the themes and ready to take further steps.
The dialogues gave Palta and participating companies new perspectives to continue developing equality and inclusion in their own work.
“This collaboration genuinely brought added value. Inklusiiv was a trainer, facilitator, expert, and partner all in one. We trusted them to respect our learning objectives, and they helped us achieve them with credibility and momentum.” – Jasmiina Ruotsila, Communications and Sustainability Advisor, Palta
More information about our partnership in Finnish: Yritysdialogeissa haluttiin löytää ratkaisuja kansainvälisten osaajien kokeman syrjinnän ehkäisemiseksi ja paremman työelämän rakentamiseksi