International Stronger Together project develops practical guidelines to help employers create a more inclusive workplace

Valmiera Development Agency, the Samaritan Association of Latvia and Coompanion Östergötland (Sweden) have joined forces to implement the Stronger Together project, aiming to create a more inclusive labour market by supporting the employment of people with intellectual disabilities or other special needs. To help employers find practical answers to questions about preparing the workplace and accessing support, the project has developed step-by-step guidelines for creating an inclusive working environment.

An inclusive workplace is more than a matter of social responsibility. It offers an opportunity to broaden the pool of potential employees, particularly in sectors facing significant labour shortages. It also helps diversify teams and create a working environment where people’s skills and potential are valued above stereotypes or assumptions about their abilities. However, employers moving towards more inclusive employment often face very practical questions: is the workplace suitable, which duties can be adapted, how should colleagues be prepared, how should the onboarding process be organised, and where can support be found?

This is why the Stronger Together project has developed practical guidelines to help employers navigate the process step by step, from the initial decision to become more inclusive to employing a person and providing long-term support. The guidelines cover assessing and adapting job duties, recruitment and job interviews, onboarding and training, building a supportive team culture, and providing long-term support and mutual feedback.

From commitment to practical action

The project aims to help employers turn a positive attitude towards inclusion into practical action, encouraging businesses and organisations not only to explore the guidelines but also to sign the memorandum on an inclusive working environment. Signing the memorandum is a voluntary commitment by an organisation to support equal opportunities in the labour market and move towards more inclusive employment practices.

Signing the memorandum does not mean that a company must change all its existing working arrangements overnight. It demonstrates a willingness to consider the workplace from an inclusion perspective, assess its capacity and, where possible, take practical steps to involve people with special needs in the labour market. The guidelines, consultations and memorandum have been designed as complementary tools to make this process clearer and easier for businesses to implement.

Alongside the guidelines, the project also provides practical support for employers by piloting the “Employee as a Service” model. Under this model, a support organisation acts as an intermediary between the employer and a potential employee, helping to find a suitable employee and providing support throughout their employment. This approach helps reduce the employer’s administrative and organisational burden.

The practical guidelines, information about the memorandum and opportunities to receive a consultation are available on the project website: https://inclusiveworkspace.eu/en/inclusive-workplace/

This activity was supported as part of STRONGER TOGETHER, an Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 project co-funded by the European Union.

For further information:
Dagnija Kaklautiņa
Public Relations
Samaritan Association of Latvia
dagnija.kaklautina@samariesi.lv
+371 28343245