Covid-19 has driven many fields to remote working. We at Zure too, are currently working mainly from home. This has indeed been something new to learn since our culture is built with the idea of ​​doing and being together. However, most of us have learned to live in a remote work world. Still, this does not mean that the situation is ideal for us. I think people miss the relaxed atmosphere of the office and the humor flying in the hallways. Hopefully, after the holidays, the situation starts to ease and we get to enjoy the “new-old” Helsinki office and each other’s company.

Midsummer’s Eve is not an official holiday in Finland but At Zure, we celebrate it as a day-off. Midsummer is often seen as the beginning of the summer and many Finns start their summer vacations from there. But how about Zureans? Many things can affect the start times of holidays, such as the fact that we don’t have certain holiday times. People are on vacation when it suits them best. Since it’s still Covid-19 time, I have interviewed some of my colleagues with different backgrounds to find out if remote work has also influenced their vacation behavior. Nowadays, when work can be done remotely from anywhere and anytime, the way of vacationing can also be changed.

Azure Architect Pasi Taive usually spends his vacation later in the summer

Pasi thinks that Covid-19 hasn’t affected his vacation starting time but the way the holidays are spent has changed completely from the usual.

Have you usually started your summer vacation from Midsummer? Do you think that remote work will influence the start of your vacation?

🌿 Usually, my vacation starts in the middle of July and ends when it’s time for our children to go back to school. So Covid-19 hasn’t affected the start of my vacation

What about the way you spend your vacation?

🌿 The change is quite huge! Usually, we have been traveling a week or two during the summer. Nowadays it is a little bit challenging… Let’s cross our fingers, that the world starts opening soon!

Or the length of your vacation?

🌿 Actually, it looks like my vacation will be a little bit longer this year because I have been working too much due to remote work.

Do you have any Midsummer traditions?

🌿 We have a tradition to go to our friends’ cottage and spend the midsummer over there.

HR Coordinator Annika Ahonen has a routine to spend her holidays in July

Annika is usually traveling for part of her vacation but not necessarily this year.

Have you usually started your summer vacation from Midsummer? Do you think that remote work will influence the start of your vacation?

🌿 Usually, I have started my vacation in early July. It has actually become already a routine for me. Remote work does not affect the start of my vacay but it makes it easier to enjoy the summer outside of the holidays since there is a lot more free time!

What about the way you spend your vacation?

🌿 I have always spent part of my summer vacation abroad, but for this summer I haven’t yet booked trips due to the Covid-19 situation. I have decided to spend this summer spontaneously. At least I will go to Hanko and summer cottages.

Or the length of your vacation?

🌿 I will spend a normal summer vacation. Summer is the best time to be on vacation!

Do you have any Midsummer traditions?

🌿 Midsummer should always be spent at the cottage and make wreaths, haha!

UX & Service Designer Natasha Overell has her second Midsummer in Finland

Natasha usually starts preparing for the Midsummer a couple of days earlier. This year, however, the situation may be different.

Have you usually started your summer vacation from Midsummer? Do you think that remote work will influence the start of your vacation?

🌿 It’s depending on what day Midsummer is, usually a few days before it. As there are lots to plan before heading to a cottage! And yes remote work will influence the start of my vacation, as it gives me more flexibility, so I don’t necessarily need those few days before as it allows me to travel and work simultaneously.

What about the way you spend your vacation?

🌿 I always travel – and will be traveling this summer too since I haven’t met my family in ages! Around Finland, to Italy and hopefully London and Germany.

Or the length of your vacation?

🌿 I will split it, based on when I am traveling to see friends and when my friends are coming to visit!

Do you have any Midsummer traditions?

🌿 Last year was the first time I have ever celebrated Midsummers!

Creative director Joona Puurunen usually enjoys his holidays in the archipelago

Joona usually starts his vacation later in the summer because he usually spends it in an archipelago where the water warms up slowly.

Have you usually started your summer vacation from Midsummer? Do you think that remote work will influence the start of your vacation?

🌿 I usually begin my summer vacation a bit later, maybe mid-July or so. We have a summer cottage in the archipelago where the seawater takes a while to warm up, so later is typically better for swimming and kayaking, etc. COVID-19 and remote work hasn’t changed my vacation schedule this year.

What about the way you spend your vacation?

🌿 I spend most of my summers in the archipelago and travel to warmer climates during the winter. For the past few years, I’ve also gone road tripping with friends across Finland or Russia or hiking in Norway. So a little bit of close vicinity travel is also part of my yearly summer plans. COVID-19 might alter those travel plans into something more secluded.

Or the length of your vacation?

🌿 I didn’t spend a lot of holidays during last winter, so I’ll be taking time off at least for a month during this summer.

Do you have any Midsummer traditions?

🌿 For over 15 years we’ve had a midsummer get-together at our summer cottage with friends. Sauna, swimming, good food, the usual stuff.

Recap

Based on the answers below, it can be stated that remote work hasn’t had a greater impact on the starting time of the vacations. However, some of the respondents may spend their holidays in parts thanks to the flexibility offered by the remote work. Also, the majority of respondents say that they have had a habit to travel during the holidays but plans have changed because of the Covid-19. So, let’s cross our fingers in the hope that traveling will be acceptable as soon as possible.

Since all of the respondents answered that they will spend Midsummer at the summer cottage, there is definitely a reason to open up Finnish Midsummer traditions.

Funny facts about Midsummer in Finland

The sun is a key part of the Midsummer celebration in Finland. Although it is usually cold, dark, and chilly here, this time the reason for the celebration is not darkness, on the contrary in fact; nights are white throughout the country. On Midsummer the sun will not set at all, we call this miracle the Midnight sun.

Midsummer celebrations traditionally include a sauna, lighting bonfires, and spending time at the waterside cottages. In the olden days, it was also customary to perform Midsummer spells, many of which were based on finding a future spouse or increasing the harvest for the coming summer. However, I am not saying that some Finns won’t collect seven different flowers and lay them under their pillow in the hope that their future husband/wife will appear in their Midsummer night’s sleep.

Read more about Finnish Midsummer traditions from here.