The future labour market: overcoming prejudice and promoting inclusion

Valmiera Municipality has become the second-largest municipality in Latvia, distinguished by its strong manufacturing traditions that date back to the mid-20th century. Today, Valmiera Municipality serves as the business hub of the Vidzeme region, home to many of the area’s largest companies.

Medium-sized enterprises are often large enough to face the challenges of major corporations but lack the extensive resources needed to easily adapt to a rapidly changing environment.

The Latvian business environment is currently experiencing a significant challenge – a shortage of qualified and reliable labour. This trend is evident across multiple sectors, from manufacturing to services. One of the primary reasons is the decline in the working-age population, emigration, and the changing job expectations of younger generations. Additionally, some employers struggle with low motivation among workers to take on simple, physically demanding, or routine jobs. Furthermore, competition for talent between regions and even internationally has intensified, further exacerbating the situation.

Potential solutions include the automation of work processes, more flexible employment models, and the increased inclusion of underrepresented groups in the labour market. One such group is people with intellectual disabilities, who, with appropriate support, can become loyal and efficient employees. However, many employers still hesitate due to concerns about additional administrative requirements, workplace adaptation costs, and uncertainties about successfully integrating these employees into their teams.

Jobs required within companies can vary from complex to highly practical tasks. Employers frequently find that the most challenging positions to fill are those involving basic tasks, such as site maintenance and cleaning.

One of the keys to successful business development is the use of innovative approaches in workforce recruitment and employment. To ensure sustainable economic development and mitigate labour shortages, it is becoming increasingly important to involve underrepresented social groups in the labour market.

Perhaps it is time to ask the question: Could the solution be closer than we think – by integrating people with intellectual disabilities into the workforce?

In today’s rapidly evolving society, which demands adaptability and a broader perspective, everyone—according to their abilities and skills—should have the opportunity to become part of the labour market. People with intellectual disabilities are ready to become a significant part of the workforce, and now is the right time to give them the chance to enter employment.

By overcoming prejudice and investing in educational initiatives, employers can not only solve practical workforce shortages but also promote social responsibility and equality.

The Valmiera Development Agency actively works on improving the business environment, seeking innovative solutions, and providing entrepreneurs with real support mechanisms in their daily operations. Strengthening the support available to businesses also contributes to the overall development of Valmiera Municipality.

The development and testing of new solutions also take place within the “Stronger Together” project. To identify labour market needs, an international training programme, “Innovative Employment Practices – Employee as a Service,” will be held on 13-14 May this year for entrepreneurs from Sweden and Latvia. During the training, participants will gain insights into employing people with intellectual disabilities, learn practical solutions for workplace adaptation, and explore a new employment model – “Employee as a Service”. This model has the potential to be an effective solution to labour shortages in companies, ensuring business continuity and providing new opportunities for employers.

The STRONGER TOGETHER project is implemented within the Interreg Central Baltic program 2021-2027, the project is co-financed by the European Union.

Karlīne Jākabsone
Social Entrepreneurship Project Manager
Valmiera Development Agency