TALLINN — In a shocking move that has left employers and employees equally confused, Tallinn announced a new salary transparency requirement that allows companies to compensate workers in sauna time. This revolutionary approach is intended to promote a more relaxed workplace culture.
According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, this system relies on the traditional Estonian belief that the best ideas come while sweating in a sauna among friends. “If we can bake black bread together, surely we can negotiate salaries in the heat too!” said Minister Juri Metspalu with a wink.
“If you can sweat away your frustrations, maybe you don’t need money.”
Employees are now expected to track their sauna hours as meticulously as time sheets. Monthly evaluations will require workers to log the total time spent relaxing and socializing. “At least it beats filling out paperwork in the office,” said Kadri, a local accountant, while clutching a towel. “But I really wish I could pay my rent with this sauna time.”
Some companies have already embraced the change, replacing their traditional salary structures with sauna memberships. “Why give out cash when you can give the gift of warm rocks?” mused company owner Tiit Sild.
However, not everyone is enthusiastic. Many employees have taken to social media to express their concerns about balancing sauna time with actual salaries. “I love sweating, but I still need to buy leib and kohv!” tweeted one disgruntled worker.
As the initiative rolls out, an unexpected side effect has emerged: a boom in sauna construction. Industry experts predict that Estonia will soon become the sauna capital of the world. At press time, reports surfaced of government officials booking trips to Finland to study their sauna practices.