In Finland, a discussion has emerged over whether employees can watch the Olympics during work hours. Seppo Koskinen, an emeritus professor from the University of Turku, provided a clear stance on this issue, emphasizing that work time is primarily meant for work tasks. According to Koskinen, employees are obliged to use their working hours for the benefit of their employer, and watching events like the Olympics does not fall under their work responsibilities unless specifically permitted by the employer or if it is considered minor break behavior.

Koskinen further elaborates that the argument of 'everyone does it' is not legally valid in the workplace context. He rejects the notion that the acceptance of watching the Winter Olympics during work hours can be justified solely by its popularity or social acceptance. Instead, he underlines that adherence to labor laws is paramount, and watching competitions during work hours should not be an expectation or routine.

The discussion surrounding work-life balance and employee rights continues to be relevant, especially during high-profile events like the Olympics. Koskinen's comments serve as a reminder of the legal frameworks that exist to govern work behavior in Finland, stressing the importance of following labor contracts and professional responsibilities, regardless of the occasion's popularity.