Kela, the Finnish social insurance institution, which plays a crucial role in the distribution of state benefits, plans to significantly enhance its processing efficiency through automation. Last year, Kela handled approximately 18.7 million benefit applications, distributing an average of 3,000 euros in benefits per Finnish citizen. Currently, the processing of these applications is largely manual, with only 20-40% automated. This status quo is set to change dramatically as Kela embarks on a new project to procure a Salesforce information system from the United States for 589 million euros.

The aim of the new system is to automate up to 80% of application processing, which could fundamentally change the roles of benefits processors within the organization. With increasing reliance on artificial intelligence and automated processes, a significant portion of the work currently carried out by human employees will transition to automated systems. Kela's leadership is openly pursuing cost-saving measures through this automation strategy, as highlighted by Nina Nissilä, the project's lead manager, who acknowledges the intention to realize substantial financial efficiencies.

Kari-Pekka Mäki-Lohiluoma, Kela's director, forecasts that this transformation could allow the organization to reduce its workforce by roughly 1,000 employees, which corresponds to a reduction of over 10% of its current staffing level of about 8,000 workers. This move reflects broader trends in public service modernization and could have far-reaching implications for employment within the social welfare sector, as roles adapt to new technological realities.