In my current specialist role within employment services, which I perform mostly remotely, I contribute as part of the team to the ongoing development and improvement of the Työmarkkinatori.fi platform. Each day, I use only officially approved, security-vetted tools to manage job-seeker workflows and authority tasks: Työmarkkinatori for case handling, Power BI to visualize key performance indicators (such as vacancy counts, match rates, and regional demand trends), and Telia’s VIP calling app, integrated with our CRM to log calls, track callback requests, and monitor response times. All new applications and updates undergo strict security and privacy reviews by our cybersecurity experts, ensuring that sensitive personal data and client materials remain fully protected under GDPR and our internal guidelines.

To ensure smooth remote collaboration, we rely on Microsoft Teams and Outlook for messaging, video conferencing, and shared calendars, and use SharePoint for document storage and version control. All remote connections are secured via VPN and multi-factor authentication, and we conduct security training sessions every few months. I also participate in user-feedback workshops and working groups where new prototypes are tested in isolated environments before public release.

Beyond our core systems, I engage via social media channels—such as LinkedIn groups and industry forums—to network with peers, monitor emerging labor-market technology trends, and gather best practices. I always emphasize critical evaluation of online information and the importance of media literacy, as anyone can publish unverified or misleading content. By combining robust security measures, clear communication channels, iterative development practices, and ongoing digital-skills training, we ensure that Työmarkkinatori.fi remains a reliable, efficient, and inclusive service for all stakeholders.

WhatsApp is our primary communication tool, enabling seamless real-time messaging with colleagues and stakeholders. Project-based group chats stay neatly organized, and private messages let us quickly schedule meetings, share documents, or exchange links to Työmarkkinatori guidance. Voice notes and quick screenshots have become part of everyday workflow: I can snap an image of my screen and paste it directly into a chat. End-to-end encryption ensures security, and the “read” receipts help confirm that important messages aren’t missed.

YouTube serves as a central platform for sharing instructional and presentation materials as well as for personal learning. We’ve created short tutorial videos for Työmarkkinatori users, demonstrating updated features and best practices. Timeline controls and subtitles improve accessibility and help those less familiar with digital interfaces. Colleagues can watch recordings on their own schedules, saving time on live training sessions. I also follow international webinars and channels that showcase emerging innovations, keeping me up to date on trends and best practices. YouTube’s analytics—view counts and watch time—guide us in refining content to better meet audience needs. For internal training, we use private, invite-only playlists to protect sensitive information while maintaining ease of access.

LinkedIn is at the heart of our professional networking: I keep my profile current and regularly post updates on new Työmarkkinatori developments and features. I follow thought leaders in the labor-market and public-sector digitalization to gather ideas for algorithm improvements, accessibility enhancements, and customer-experience initiatives. Sharing article excerpts and video highlights increases transparency between our organization and its users. Networking happens both in active discussion groups and via direct messages, where we exchange insights with other public-sector digital teams. For recruitment, LinkedIn Recruiter helps identify potential candidates, and sponsored job postings reach precisely targeted audiences. LinkedIn Learning courses also support ongoing skills development, which I both use myself and recommend to colleagues.

Facebook is our go-to platform for connecting with colleagues and community members and for staying on top of current events. Through public Facebook pages, we post service announcements—such as planned maintenance, webinars, and campaigns—allowing users to comment or ask questions directly. In private groups, we share ideas and resources on topics like accessibility best practices and project timelines. Messenger lets us arrange quick one-on-one meetings and send small files without the lag of email. The Events feature streamlines webinar sign-ups and sends automated reminders. Although I keep my personal profile separate for privacy, Facebook’s versatile groups and messaging tools support both networking and information sharing organically.

X is our fast-moving hub for real-time updates and discussions. I follow official accounts from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and other public agencies to pick up breaking news on new digital initiatives and labor-market statistics. On my own account, I share links to blog posts and news releases, and relevant hashtags help amplify our reach. I engage with experts and respond to citizen inquiries on public-sector threads, using conversations to gather user-experience insights (for example, feedback on UX tests). X’s rapid feed is ideal for monitoring and reacting swiftly—if a service outage or bug report goes viral, I can quickly direct users to our official support channels. The concise format makes X an agile channel for information dissemination and community engagement.

So many platforms..

As a result of this assignment, I realized just how broad the range of digital tools and services is, both at work and in my free time. By exploring various applications, I learned to spot their hidden potential—such as WhatsApp’s flexible messaging, Power BI’s data visualization, and YouTube’s instructional videos. At the same time, I felt a bit overwhelmed by how many different systems and platforms I’d need to master to stay at the cutting edge. I also came to understand that technology alone won’t solve professional challenges; user-friendliness and clear workflows are equally crucial.

In particular, the role of social media in professional communication took on new significance for me. On LinkedIn, I can share insights and build networks, while Facebook and X help me keep up with current events and labor-market news. Moving forward, I plan to choose my tools more selectively—focusing only on those that truly benefit my specialist work—and to share these ideas with my team. I believe that by boldly experimenting with new applications, I’ll discover ways to streamline daily routines and sustain motivation.