A bold trailblazer left a mark that is still visible today
Eila Kaisla didn’t just start a company. She built a new way of doing human resources in Finland—boldly, fairly, and with respect for people. That’s why her story won’t be forgotten. It’s still evident at Eilakaisla.
While many saw only problems, Eila saw an opportunity in the world of work
When Eila Kaisla founded her company in 1971, the human resources field was still new in Finland. The field was met with skepticism, and fair rules of the game were by no means a given. Eila thought differently. She believed that work could be done properly, people could be treated well, and the field could be developed more boldly than was customary.
Eila’s principle was clear from the start: the law sets the minimum standard, and its requirements can and should be exceeded. This was evident in the way she worked, interacted with people, and built the company forward. Eila wasn’t content to watch the industry’s development from the sidelines; she was actively shaping it herself.
Eila was a strong entrepreneur, but also a person who understood different life situations. She valued reliability, professionalism, initiative, and an entrepreneurial spirit. She gave her employees the freedom to succeed while demanding quality that stands the test of time.
Eila Kaisla (left) had a knack for hiring like-minded employees and motivating them to excel.
“You have to keep moving forward all the time”
We must constantly move forward, invent, create, and implement new things. A company that stands still falls behind.
– Eila Kaisla
Eila built a company where people have always been at the center
Eila didn’t just build a business. She built a workplace, a way of doing things, and a direction in which people are at the heart of everything. This was evident even back then, when she hired like-minded employees, trusted them, and encouraged them to excel. The same spirit continues to be evident at Eilakaisla in the way the company interacts with job seekers, customers, and its own employees.
In a family business, the past isn't left behind
Tom Kaisla has continued on the path charted by Eila as CEO since 2004. In a family business, the legacy of the previous generation is evident for years to come, but each generation also leaves its own mark.
Eila’s courage, drive for innovation, and commitment to high quality did not end with the founder’s era. Tom moved the company forward in his own way and ensured that Eilakaisla would not stand still. That is why the company has been able to reinvent itself, grow, and keep pace with changes in the workforce even in the new decades.
In 2026, the President of the Republic awarded Tom Kaisla the title of Entrepreneurial Advisor. This recognition reflects decades of work in support of entrepreneurship, the Finnish business community, and the long-term development of family businesses.
Tom Kaisla’s philosophy sums this up well:
“In a family business, the legacy of the previous generation is always visible for years to come.”
Eilakaisla has always been a company made up of skilled people and guided by fair rules
The company’s success has always depended on its people. In addition to skilled employees, we need energy, passion, and a desire to help our customers. That is why Eilakaisla remains a people-centered company. Over the years, we’ve been part of the careers of more than 150,000 Finns, so we feel confident in saying that we know Finnish working life well.
In the words of Tom Kaisla, the goal has been clear:
“Our goal is to offer the best—not just good, but the best—service experience in the industry.”
Eila's work continues to have an impact throughout the industry
The Lifetime Achievement Award in Recruitment was awarded posthumously to Eila Kaisla in 2025. It was a tribute to a lifetime of work that transformed the Finnish recruitment industry and left a lasting mark on the world of work.
Eila didn’t just start a company. She built credibility for the entire industry, shaped the conversation, and laid the foundation for responsible staffing services. That’s why the award isn’t just a moment in the past. It reinforces what is still evident at Eilakaisla today.
Eila's philosophy is still reflected in the way we operate
A story that has evolved alongside changes in the world of work
Eila Kaisla’s story did not end with a single moment. It continued through decisions, innovations, and phases of growth that have propelled the company forward from one decade to the next.
1971
Eila Kaisla founded the company
Eilakaisla was founded at a time when the entire human resources sector in Finland was still in its infancy.
1979
The company entered the computer age
A drive for innovation was evident early on. Eilakaisla was among the first to adopt new technology.
1984–1987
Eila received significant recognition for her work
Being named Entrepreneur of the Year in Helsinki and receiving the national entrepreneur award confirmed that Eila’s work was widely recognized.
2004
Tom Kaisla took over as CEO
The generational transition moved the company forward, but its core values remained intact.
2005
Eilakaisla was awarded the Avainlippu
Domestic production, quality, and responsibility received prominent recognition.
2020
The first sustainability program was implemented
Responsibility was established as a distinct area and integrated into all operations.
2021
50th Anniversary
Eilakaisla celebrated its 50th anniversary and continued to develop the workplace with a fresh approach.
2022
Antti Soro Appointed CEO
The company moved into its next phase under new leadership.
2025
Eila Kaisla Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
The award confirmed what had long been evident in the workplace: Eila Kaisla was a pioneer in the entire industry.
2026
Tom Kaisla Receives the Title of Entrepreneurial Advisor
This title, conferred by the President of the Republic, continues the same story: entrepreneurship, a spirit of innovation, and long-term dedication are evident in the Kaisla family from one generation to the next.
What Eila built is reflected in the way we operate today
This story is reflected in how we operate today
Eila’s story is not just a part of Eilakaisla’s history. It is reflected in how we interact with people, how we build our services, and how we uphold quality, responsibility, and the courage to innovate.
The story continues in this era
The direction Eila has set is still evident in what we do, where we focus our efforts, and how we move the world of work forward. Current highlights show how that same spirit lives on in today’s Eilakaisla.
