2 minute read
Stronger in society at Holbox
As a family business, we believe the social, human and generous aspect of our business is very important. That’s why since October 2020, we’ve been working with PSW Werk, an organisation that assists people with poor job prospects. Some of them are now gaining work experience with us, from getting acquainted with our products to fully participating in the labour process. Initial reactions to this pilot are positive.
Working at Holbox is ideal for PSW participants, says Lei Kurvers of PSW Werk. Every Monday, he assists and trains the participants at Holbox on location. “This is a great working environment, especially for participants with autism”, he says. “The simple, repetitive and manual skills are right up their alley. The fact that the social aspect is less important is a bonus. They often have no idea what they’re good at or what (career) opportunities they have. Now they get the chance to discover that.”
THE PATIENCE OF A SAINT
The Holbox colleagues look after their PSW colleagues in the workplace. They’re aware of the skills and possibilities of these employees and - significantly - they have the patience of a saint. In most cases, the work must be explained more than once. But this patience is already paying off, says Lei. “One of our participants has even performed different activities over the past few weeks. Although at her level and structure, it is unique that she’s offered these opportunities.”
ONE TEAM
Of course, we could also move certain activities to the sheltered workshop, but we consciously chose to have the PSW participants come to us. Eddy Maens, manager at Holbox, explains why: “The aim is to guide participants as best as possible towards an active daytime activity or work, whether or not paid. That’s why we think it’s important that colleagues are actively involved in our daily production process.” According to Lei, having a job or a daytime activity also contributes to the participants’ self-esteem, status and self-confidence. “Especially when they go to a supermarket and see displays to which they’ve contributed”, he says.
MORE INDEPENDENCE
To let participants experience the real work feeling, we agreed they would come to work independently. Lei: “One of the participants cycles from his sheltered housing centre in Echt to Holbox in the morning. The fact that he now travels independently increases his self-esteem considerably, because he no longer has to travel in a ‘van’ to a daytime activity.”
Professional activity centre in Poland
In Poland we work together with GZAZ, an occupational activity institution which people with a disadvantage on the labour market accompanied. These people work at our production site in Gliwice on various display productions. They provide professional assembly services at the highest level.
