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Susanna Bairoh

Research Manager

susanna.bairoh@tek.fi | +358922912563

Susanna Bairoh works as Research Manager at TEK (Academic Engineers & Architects in Finland) and is responsible for leading and managing TEK’s research activities and the research team. Susanna has 25+ years of experience in conducting various kinds of quantitative and qualitative research projects. She holds a Master of Social Science degree from University of Helsinki and a Doctor of Science (Economics) from Hanken School of Business. Susanna is passionate about improving gender equality, diversity and inclusion in technology and technology workplaces. She has conducted several research projects on the topic within TEK and with universities and other partners.

https://www.tek.fi/en/about-tek/contact-information/susanna-bairoh

Yhteystiedot

Ota yhteyttä henkilökuntaamme tai piipahda TEKin toimipisteissä Pasilassa, Turussa, Tampereella, Lappeenrannassa tai Oulussa!

Keywords:

TEK's regional offices, TEK

https://www.tek.fi/en/tietoa-tekista/yhteystiedot

TEK studies: Diversity, equality and inclusion

How are DEI themes displayed at technology workplaces?

Keywords:

gender equality, TEK's research, research, equality

https://www.tek.fi/en/services-and-benefits/research/tek-studies-diversity-equality-and-inclusion

Vanhempi ja taapero käyttävät samaa tietokonetta.

Toddlers torpedo incomes – but only for women

Having a child substantially reduces a woman's income, and the effect is long-lasting. Conversely, having a child is financially beneficial for fathers, according to a recent study. Workplaces do not always know how to provide optimal support for career development for employees after they have started a family.

News article

Keywords:

family and work life, gender equality, research, equality, TEK's research

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/toddlers-torpedo-incomes-but-only-for-women

Kaksi henkilöä analysoimassa tutkimustuloksia

Research

We know because we ask. The goal of TEK's research is to provide high-quality insights about the work life in the field of technology.

Keywords:

TEK's research, research, labour market survey (TMT)

https://www.tek.fi/en/services-and-benefits/research

TEK studies: Work life and employment

What is going on in the work life of technology professionals in Finland?

Keywords:

TEK's research, research, work life, employment, labour market survey (TMT)

https://www.tek.fi/en/services-and-benefits/research/tek-studies-work-life-and-employment

Susanna Bairoh giving her keynote speech at NWiTA 2025.

Gender equality does not happen, it requires our actions

What can we do to improve gender equality and inclusion in tech workplaces? The well-known obstacles can be addressed by committing to change, setting clear objectives, and supporting the change with structural measures.

Blog post

Keywords:

column, gender equality, equality

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/gender-equality-does-not-happen-it-requires-our-actions

Mind the gender gap – and why leap over it

Why do I want to see more women in the field of technology, a field that researchers like me have found to favour men? It's not because misery loves company but because in tech the positives far outweigh the negatives.

Blog post

Keywords:

column, gender equality, TEK's research, influencing

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/mind-the-gender-gap-and-why-leap-over-it

Student guilds score high on belonging – Inclusion still a work in progress

Over 80 per cent of students in the field of technology agree they feel accepted, can be themselves, and perceive the atmosphere of the guild or the degree association as good. The guilds have successfully deployed practices supporting equity. TEK Student Survey highlights some of the remaining challenges, for example a language barrier hindering the opportunities of English-speaking students.

News article

Keywords:

student research, teekkari culture, TEK's research

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/student-guilds-score-high-on-belonging-inclusion-still-a-work-in-progress

Joukko opiskelijoita aurinkopaneelin äärellä.

Sense of belonging encourages professionals to stay in tech

Both male and female tech students feel they belong in the student community, but men feel a stronger sense of belonging in the field of technology. Gender minorities report the lowest sense of belonging. Where exactly does the problem lie?

News article

Keywords:

teekkari (technology student), TEK's research, tech, equality

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/sense-of-belonging-encourages-professionals-to-stay-in-tech

Contact information

Contact TEK's office, regional advisors or student liaisons if you have any questions.

Keywords:

TEK's regional offices, TEK

https://www.tek.fi/en/about-tek/contact-information

Blog: Equal work, unequal pay

Equal pay for equal work - fair and justified, and even stipulated by the law. Nevertheless, pay parity for men and women often seems like an elusive and unattainable goal.

Blog post

Keywords:

salary, gender equality, TEK's research

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/blog-equal-work-unequal-pay

Stereotypes and a masculine culture keep women in the minority in technology

Attempts have been made to increase the number of women in the field of technology for decades. However, the attempts have not been successful: In Finland, only one in five technology professionals is a woman. It is often argued that women lack an innate interest in technology. However, the lack of interest is not the cause but the consequence: the technology industry is structured to be masculine.

News article

Keywords:

gender equality, work life, equality, TEK's research

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/stereotypes-and-a-masculine-culture-keep-women-in-the-minority-in-technology

Blog post: Nine Engineers and One Woman

My research focuses on gender equality, equity, and inclusivity in the field of technology. The persistent gender inequality in advancing to leadership positions continues to perplex me. Numerous studies illustrate how merits stick to men.

Blog post

Keywords:

leadership, gender equality, equality

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/blog-post-nine-engineers-and-one-woman

Study: Men experience the dismantling of privileges as discrimination

Discrimination faced by women remains a significant problem in the field of technology, but a recent study also highlights discrimination experienced by men. The discrimination men experience in tech is often related to measures that promote equality.

News article

Keywords:

discrimination, gender equality, TEK's research, research, work life

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/study-men-experience-the-dismantling-of-privileges-as-discrimination

Opiskelijoita istumassa ulkona portaikossa, kesän vihreitä lehtiä etualalla.

Summer job opportunities have been declining for years – TEK appeals to employers: “Let’s work together and make next summer better than the last”

The number of students in the field of technology who were left without a summer job last year was twice that of the summer of 2023. TEK is urging employers in the technology industry to have the courage to employ young people. TEK also offers them an opportunity to advertise their summer jobs in the TEKrekry LinkedIn group, which is moderated by TEK, free of charge. “Let’s work together and make next summer better than the last,” encourages TEK’s Labour Market Director Teemu Hankamäki.

News article

Keywords:

summer job, student, student research, TEK, influencing, TEK's research

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/summer-job-opportunities-have-been-declining-for-years-tek-appeals-to-employers-lets-work-together-and-make-next-summer-better-than-the-last

Ylhäältä päin otettu kuva henkilöstä, joka käyttää kannettavaa tietokonetta.

9 paths to a career in technology – They are changing the world

With a university degree in technology one can change the world. TEK representatives often say this in graduation speeches, but it is not just a nice phrase. In this article, we introduce nine women in the technology sector who are driving change.

News article

Keywords:

gender equality, career

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/9-paths-to-a-career-in-technology-they-are-changing-the-world

Privacy statement for the lottery data register

Privacy Statement for the lottery data register defines how the data related to TEK's lotteries is handled.

Keywords:

TEK, data protection and security

https://www.tek.fi/en/about-tek/data-protection/privacy-statement-for-the-lottery-data-register

Finland’s AI elite consists of men aged 40–49 – “It’s high time to include all employees”

Finland’s AI elite has received significantly more supplementary training and retraining in artificial intelligence than others. Now, everyone else needs training too, says Mikko Särelä, expert for industrial and innovation policy at Academic Engineers and Architects in Finland TEK.

News article

Keywords:

TEK's research, artificial intelligence, labour market survey (TMT)

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/finlands-ai-elite-consists-of-men-aged-40-49-its-high-time-to-include-all-employees

50 euron seteli roikkuu ilmapalloon kiinnitettynä taivaalla.

Blog: Tech industry does not put women at the top of the income ladder

Many of the top earners in 2022 work in the tech industry. But why do only the men in tech seem to make it to the top of the income ladder?

Blog post

Keywords:

salary, work life, entrepreneur

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/blog-tech-industry-does-not-put-women-at-the-top-of-the-income-ladder

Kolme henkilöä istuu rappusilla läppärin kanssa.

Almost everything is more important to students

When compared to full members, more students feel that TEK should initiate societal debate on topics of labor legislation, labor market advocacy, skills development in working life, climate change prevention, equality, inclusiveness and entrepreneurship.

News article

Keywords:

student, student research, TEK, TEK's research

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/almost-everything-is-more-important-to-students

Work culture impacts the success of women in tech

How women in tech see the level of inclusivity at their workplace impacts their experience, opportunities and success.

News article

Keywords:

gender equality, work life

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/work-culture-impacts-the-success-of-women-in-tech

Privacy statement for research data

This privacy statement describes how TEK handles research data.

Keywords:

TEK, data protection and security

https://www.tek.fi/en/about-tek/data-protection/privacy-statement-for-research-data

Equality still has a long way to go in technology jobs

According to a survey conducted by TEK, the members of the union still have a long way to go before the working life can be called equal.

News article

https://www.tek.fi/en/uutiset-blogit/equality-still-has-a-long-way-to-go-in-technology-jobs

24 hours as a TEK councillor: the 2025 autumn council meeting

Are you somewhat interested in council work, but don't really know what it means in practice? In this article, we follow the 2025 council's autumn meeting – you'll find out what meetings are like and how time-consuming they are. Welcome along!

News article

Keywords:

decision-making, TEK's election, general council

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/24-hours-as-a-tek-councillor-the-2025-autumn-council-meeting

Tekoälykouluttaja Antti Meriluoto puhuu TEKin valtuustolle

TEK's General Council met to make decisions for 2025

The autumn meeting of TEK's General Council was held on 14-15 November 2024 at Original Sokos Hotel Tripla, Helsinki. The meeting was full of important decisions and topical reviews that will guide the organisation's activities in the coming year.

News article

Keywords:

general council, elections

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/teks-general-council-met-to-make-decisions-for-2025

“The labour market receives burnt-out graduates”

Half of technology students are concerned about their own well-being, says the latest student survey conducted by TEK. Students working towards their bachelor's degrees were more concerned than master's students. As first aid, TEK offers a peer support chat service.

News article

Keywords:

student, student research, teekkari (technology student), TEK's research

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/the-labour-market-receives-burnt-out-graduates

Results to the question "I fear I will face discrimination in my future career (LGBTQI+ students)"

Nearly half of LGBTQI+ students fear discrimination in their career

Technology students who belong to sexual and/or gender minorities see more risks in their future than students who do not belong to these minorities.

News article

Keywords:

student, student research, discrimination, gender equality, TEK's research, research, equality

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/nearly-half-of-lgbtqi-students-fear-discrimination-in-their-career

Ihminen istuu kasvot käsiinsä haudattuina, iso tumma varjo tavoittelee ihmistä.

Survey of Akava affiliates: A quarter of employees feel their employers do nothing to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace

At its worst, harassment can harm an employee’s mental health. A survey of the affiliates of Akava found that only less than a third of employers have intervened with sexual harassment that constitutes a criminal offence. Employees demand more effective measures.

News article

Keywords:

TEK's research, work life

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/survey-of-akava-affiliates-a-quarter-of-employees-feel-their-employers-do-nothing-to-prevent-sexual-harassment-in-the-workplace

Privacy Statement for TEK Graduate Survey

Graduate survey's privacy statement defines how the data related to TEK's Graduate Survey is handled.

Keywords:

TEK, data protection and security, research, recent graduate

https://www.tek.fi/en/about-tek/data-protection/privacy-statement-for-tek-graduate-survey

TEK is a partner of Helsinki Pride 2022

The Helsinki Pride Week celebrating equality and the rainbow community is held 27.6.-3.7.2022. This is TEK’s third prideful Pride, because TEK wants to be a part of building a better working life for everyone.

News article

Keywords:

work life, equality

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/tek-is-a-partner-of-helsinki-pride-2022

LGBTIQ+ career development takes more work

Technology students who belong to sexual and/or gender minorities see more risks in their future than students who do not belong to these minorities.

News article

Keywords:

wellbeing, student research, gender equality, TEK's research, research

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/lgbtiq-career-development-takes-more-work

Neljä henkilöä istuu pöydän ääressä läppärin ja kahvikuppien kanssa.

90% feel they can be themselves in the field of technology

A clear majority are proud of working or studying in the field of technology. A pioneering study by Engineers Finland is the first in Finland to examine the sense of belonging in the field. Approximately 80% of the respondents felt they belong in the field.

News article

Keywords:

student, research, work life, TEK's research

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/90-feel-they-can-be-themselves-in-the-field-of-technology

Secretary General of Seta Kerttu Tarjamo and TEK's Work Life Specialist Sirkku Pohja at TEK's office in Pasila.

Seta grants Apple of Good Information to TEK

Seta grants the Apple of Good Information annually to an individual or community that has advanced the position of sexual or gender minorities or spread good, factual information about the diversity of sexual orientation and gender. TEK is the first trade union to receive the recognition.

News article

Keywords:

award, gender equality, TEK

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/seta-grants-apple-of-good-information-to-tek

Language requirements and prejudice hinder recruiting immigrants

Immigrants have a difficult labor market situation. Many of the disadvantages they face derive directly from discrimination and prejudice in recruitment practices and hiring on the part of employers.

News article

Keywords:

internationality, work life, employment

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/language-requirements-and-prejudice-hinder-recruiting-immigrants

Universities and workplaces need guidance on how to use artificial intelligence

62 percent of tech students use generative artificial intelligence tools in their studies. According to surveys conducted by TEK in the autumn of 2023, AI tools have been adopted faster in studies than in working life. However, there is a lot of uncertainty among tech students about the use of artificial intelligence. Respondents in working life, on the other hand, are very confident about the continuation of their own employment despite the increasing use of AI tools.

News article

Keywords:

education, TEK's research, tech, artificial intelligence, research, work life

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/universities-and-workplaces-need-guidance-on-how-to-use-artificial-intelligence

TEK’s Student Survey: Minority groups are susceptible to harassment

Technology students belonging to minorities face more harassment and mistreatment than non-minority students. Their experiences include exclusion, undervaluing their skills, inappropriate comments and sexual harassment.

News article

Keywords:

education, student, student research, discrimination, gender equality, teekkari (technology student), work life

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/teks-student-survey-minority-groups-are-susceptible-to-harassment

AI belongs to all of us

In Finland, the management of artificial intelligence has centred around an AI elite of 40–49-year-old men. Mikko Särelä from TEK believes that it is high time to include all employees. Mikko Mattila from Kone and Girish Agarwal from Vaisala are here to tell us how it can be done.

News article

Keywords:

promotion of interests, tech, artificial intelligence, work life, TEK's research

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/ai-belongs-to-all-of-us

Miesten palkat ovat edelleen hieman korkeammalla tasolla kuin naisten

Salaries of men and women in tech

A gender pay gap also exists in the technology sector. The unexplained pay gap after controlling for various variables is still 5.5 per cent.

Keywords:

salary, gender equality, TEK's research, research

https://www.tek.fi/en/services-and-benefits/research/tek-studies-diversity-equality-and-inclusion/salaries-of-men-and-women-in-tech

Henkilö istuu portaalla läppäri sylissään, vieressä sateenkaaren värinen juomapullo.

Women and non-binary people experience more sexual harassment than men

Non-binary people experience more sexual harrasment at work than men or women. Highly educated professionals who belong to sexual or gender minorities experience more harassment and are also less confident that their employer would address harassment, reveals a survey conducted among Akava affiliates.

News article

Keywords:

LHBTIQ+, gender equality, TEK's research, equality

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/women-and-non-binary-people-experience-more-sexual-harassment-than-men

How people in technology workplaces think about parental leaves

Parents with young children are familiar with the parental leave reform, and they feel that it contributes to a more even distribution of family leave between parents. Those working in the field of technology feel that the employers’ attitudes are supportive of families, and that the use of family leave is mostly welcomed in the workplace. For example, more than 90% of parents of children under school age think that their employer offers sufficient support for reconciling work and family life. On the other hand, there is a fair amount of uncertainty around family leave, and some parents with young children feel that the use of family leave may pose a threat to their career development.

News article

Keywords:

family and work life, TEK's research

https://www.tek.fi/en/news-blogs/how-people-in-technology-workplaces-think-about-parental-leaves