Faktorer för samhällstolkarnas arbetsvälmående i Finland med fokus på distanstolkning och teknologi
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5324/ntot.v2i1.6665Keywords:
interpreting, occupational well-being, psychosocial work environment, remote interpreting, technologyAbstract
This study examines the factors influencing the occupational well-being of public service interpreters in Finland, with particular attention to remote interpreting and the technological transformations that have reshaped the field. Drawing on a well-being model specifically developed for the public service interpreting context, the study analyses how physiological, social, psychological, and self-actualisation needs are met in both remote and on‑site interpreting. The findings demonstrate that remote interpreting offers certain advantages, including time savings, reduced exposure to infections, and increased control over the physical workspace. However, significant challenges emerge. Poor sound quality, technical disruptions, lack of visual cues, and increased cognitive load undermine interpreting accuracy and diminish interpreters’ sense of competence, appreciation, and control over their work. Social needs are more effectively fulfilled in on‑site interpreting, while remote work is frequently experienced as isolating. Feelings of insecurity are further exacerbated by unstable working conditions, an unregulated market structure, economic unpredictability, and the requirement to remain constantly alert to multiple digital booking systems. Telephone interpreting is identified as the most demanding and least satisfactory mode, as it restricts access to essential contextual information. Overall, the results indicate that interpreters’ opportunities for professional fulfilment are limited by structural conditions, despite their high level of expertise. The study recommends regulatory reforms, improved public procurement practices, mandatory training for users of interpreting services, and a clear prioritisation of video and on‑site interpreting over telephone-based solutions to enhance interpreters’ occupational well-being.
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