Latvian and Swedish Entrepreneurs in Valmiera Explore Inclusive Employment Approaches and Draw Inspiration from Innovative Practices

On May 14 of this year, at Cēsu Street 4 in Valmiera, the Valmiera Development Agency, together with partners of the “STRONGER TOGETHER” project (Project No. CB0300234), organized a training seminar for employers titled “Innovative Employment Practice – Employee as a Service.” The seminar became a significant platform for representatives from various countries and sectors – entrepreneurs from Latvia and Sweden, NGO leaders, and municipal specialists – to share experiences, discuss the challenges of a modern work environment, and explore practical methods for implementing inclusive employment.

The seminar was organized based on an educational training program for employers developed within the framework of the project, aiming to deepen understanding of people with intellectual disabilities and other special needs. The training program not only offers theoretical foundations and educational content but also practical guidelines and real-life examples that enable entrepreneurs to acquire skills on how to adapt the work environment to diverse needs and create an open, understanding, and equitable workplace.

The day began with a focus on the importance of inclusive employment for societal development. Later, experts shared practical insights on adapting the work environment and collaborating with people with functional impairments.

One of the key events of the seminar was a visit to the Valmiera Day Centre “SOLIS,” where participants had the opportunity to see firsthand the practical implementation of inclusive employment approaches. The center served as a vivid example of how, with professional support and an adapted work environment, people with special needs can be productive, socially active, and proud of their contributions to society. This visit became an inspiring testament that inclusion is not just a theoretical concept – it is a real practice that brings positive change to every workplace.

In the afternoon session, seminar participants were introduced to innovative approaches in the labor market. Special attention was given to the project innovation “Employee as a Service” – an idea that the role of an employee within an organization can be viewed as a flexible service based on collaboration and individual strengths.

The seminar concluded with the presentation of a Memorandum on Inclusive Work Environment, encouraging every employer to commit to creating workplaces that respect diversity, ensure accessibility, adapt working conditions, and promote equal treatment. This initiative received positive feedback – several attendees expressed their readiness to actively implement the principles outlined in the memorandum within their organizations.

In November this year, as part of the project, a second cycle training seminar for employers will be held in Sweden, where the developed training program will be used. Entrepreneurs from both Latvia and Sweden will participate, promoting international exchange of experience and cooperation in the field of inclusive employment.

Participants engaged in informal conversations, fostering mutual collaboration and networking.

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

Karlīne Jākabsone
Project Manager for Social Entrepreneurship Projects
Valmiera Development Agency
karline.jakabsone@valmierasnovads.lv