Employment in Rural Latvia: A Practical Experience
“I have been employing people with disabilities for 6 years,” co-owner of the family business “Zaļkalni” Andris Belousovs begins the story of his experience.
In recent years, we have often heard about young families who move from urban life to the countryside, renovate family property or simply find a place for a more peaceful everyday life. However, despite this, rural areas of Latvia are becoming less and less populated, because not everywhere has sufficiently developed infrastructure and job opportunities. Therefore, entrepreneurs in the regions still face a shortage of labor, especially for low-skilled work.
“We need employees to perform tasks such as picking stones from the field, trimming, stacking firewood, carrying gravel and similar. We do not judge anyone by their diagnosis – it is important that the work is done, and if a person can do it, we are satisfied. In fact, these people are no different. A person remains a person, ” says Andris.
Speaking about getting involved in the Stronger Together project, Andris says that such a cooperation opportunity provides a greater sense of security that the employee will actually come to work, or that information about absence will be received in time. A mentor who coordinates the process is a benefit.
“I know that there are entrepreneurs who are worried that when employing people with disabilities, especially mental disorders, they will have to invest additional time resources in training, retraining. In my experience, I have not had to invest more time than when working with other employees. I tell them once, show them, and everything happens. Everyone likes that they are trusted and appreciated. I guide myself by this principle. There have been times when cooperation does not develop, but this is the case in every field, in every workplace. In fact, I have never specifically thought about work integration, I simply want to ensure the operation of my family business, and if it helps someone earn a living and go out into society, socialize – I am only happy, it is an additional benefit, “emphasizes Andris.
Has society become more accepting, the labor market more inclusive? The “Zaļkalni” farm is located in Vidzeme region, and Andris Belousovs has not observed that people would whisper behind his back or otherwise express dislike towards people with mental disorders whom he employs. He says that a neighboring farm, probably following the example of Belousovs, also employs a person with a disability.
“I can only urge you not to be afraid of seemingly different. There is nothing different there. As in any other employer’s experience, there are more and less motivated people. However, until you employ, you will not know, and no two experiences will be the same. During my 6 years of experience, there have been no problems,” emphasizes Andris.
The “Stronger Together” project is implemented within the framework of the Interreg Central Baltic program 2021-2027, the project is co-financed by the European Union.
Dagnija Kaklautiņa
Public Relations
Society “Latvian Samaritan Association”
