How someone who is distanced from the job market can become a full-fledged colleague

A responsibility—and… an opportunity!

Schlappi Markiezen proves that social engagement doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, but often starts with a practical choice in the workplace. Dennis Schoormans“ company recently received extensive coverage for this in the Brabants Dagblad and on NPO1”s well-known radio program, *Spraakmakers*. The reason? The Tilburg-based awning manufacturer is recognized for the way it gives people who are distanced from the labor market a real opportunity. Dennis says: “This shouldn’t be seen as a temporary favor, but as a full-fledged step toward employment, structure, and self-confidence.”

René Vermeer was at the center of that story in the Brabants Dagblad. He ended up at Schlappi Markiezen through the Tilburg “basic jobs” pilot program. That pilot was intended for people who want to work but for whom the regular job market is not an obvious option for various reasons. René had previously worked in healthcare but ended up at home after a difficult period. Through work in public spaces—such as maintenance and cleanup in the city—he gradually regained his rhythm. He then made the move to Schlappi Markiezen. 

So was this a surprising move?

For Dennis, it was especially important to focus on what someone *can* do. He explains that René wasn’t simply placed in an existing position, but that the company looked for a suitable role for him within the organization. “Of course, that requires guidance, patience, and sometimes adjustments on the part of colleagues. But it also pays off in a big way,” says Dennis. “For René, it meant a wonderful new outlook on life, no matter what. For Schlappi Markiezen, it meant gaining a motivated colleague.”

Labor Market Tightness

René has since become an integral part of the company. “This is exactly why I want to share this experience with the window-coverings industry. Many companies in our sector face the pressures of packed schedules, a tight labor market, and the challenge of finding qualified people. That’s precisely when it can pay off to look beyond the standard profile of an experienced technician or production worker.”

According to Dennis, this presents both a responsibility and an opportunity. Companies are at the heart of their regions. They supply homes, stores, schools, and local projects. So it’s only logical to also be mindful of the people in that same community and their opportunities in the workplace.

Dennis continues: “Moreover, our experience now shows that when working with people who are fundamentally ‘distant from the labor market,’ we don’t have to compromise in any way on the quality of the products we deliver. René is simply a full-fledged member of our team who still has the highest ambitions and takes full responsibility for everything we do in our factory. No awning leaves our facility that we’re not satisfied with or that doesn’t meet our quality standards. And, to the market’s quality standards.”