MEANINGFUL EMPLOYMENT TO THE BENEFIT OF ALL

As early as the 1970s, Ackurat’s then owners were demonstrating their social responsibility by being in contact with the municipality and employing people with disabilities for more basic tasks. This commitment is now an established and obvious part of Ackurat’s operations.
       Every day, a group of around eight people comes to Ackurat together with their two supervisors. The group carries out various work duties within assembly and packing. They are based in a separate area, with each person being able to work at his or her own speed.
       “It is so valuable for these people to have a rewarding and structured working day,” considers Joakim Andersson, one of the municipality’s supervisors who has been working alongside Ackurat since 2011. “Through these daily activities, they benefit from social training as well as collaboration and responsibility. They get the chance to develop at their own speed and according to their own specific situation.”
       The municipality’s supervisors have an important role to play in the contacts with Ackurat and in order for the day-to-day work to function smoothly. The objective from the municipality’s side is to create security for people with disabilities, and to ensure that they have meaningful employment.

If the collaboration works well and the individual develops, it may be appropriate to arrange a more permanent solution via employment with a salary subsidy.
       “For us at Ackurat, it is very important to be able to support these people,” says Fredric Fagerberg, Managing Director. “It is just as satisfying every time we see someone growing socially and daring to help themselves. It is also an important part of our day-to-day operations, as it takes the drama out of contacts with people who have disabilities.”
       Other personnel may have concerns that their work duties will disappear, but clear information regarding the purpose of the arrangement generates acceptance for Ackurat’s decision to conduct this social initiative. These slightly more basic duties might otherwise have needed to be outsourced to low-wage countries, for instance. They now stay here and can be carried out on site with a positive purpose.
       Ackurat will continue this important initiative in future years, and is looking forward to a long-term exchange with Växjö Municipality.
       “It is actually remarkable that more companies are not showing an interest in this opportunity. The collaboration genuinely benefits everyone: the municipality, the company and the people who come here every day,” concludes Fredric.