For nearly two years, a team of experts at the Centre of Expertise for Social Enterprises has been engaged in mapping international work integration models within the social economy. The primary focus has been on work integration social enterprises across Europe aiming to understand their operational environments and integration methods.
The research was completed by interviewing relevant stakeholders in the field. They were sought through existing networks and umbrella organisations. Despite some challenges in the mapping process, such as language barriers, unmaintained records of impact (or nonexistent), and outdated contact details, there was good collaboration which gave us interesting insights.
Similarities and Differences
One of the most significant findings is that social economy and their operating environments differ substantially from country to country. In some countries the social economy is more robust with well-established structures and traditions to support social enterprises. These differences shape the effectiveness and sustainability of work integration programs.
Despite the variations, many work integration methods—such as coaching and rehabilitation—share core similarities. However, the duration, depth, and terminology of support mechanisms differ significantly across the borders. For instance, while one country may emphasize long-term mentoring, another may focus on short-term skills training with rapid labor market entry.
Another key observation is that organizations in the mapped countries often highlight the social impact of their activities. This is evident in how organizations present themselves on their websites, frequently aligning their mission with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Smaller organizations, in particular, also tend to be very open to new connections and partnerships, possibly due to their need for external support and networking opportunities.
Good Examples
Several exemplary social enterprises stand out as models of effective work integration. Here are listed a few of them:
Atempo, Austria
Atempo has developed an e-learning project aimed at helping stay-at-home mothers’ transition into work as personal assistants, addressing a shortage of assistants in Austria. Traditionally, new mothers do not consider assistant roles due to a lack of awareness about the job’s flexibility. The organization designed an accessible course in collaboration with disabled individuals, ensuring that the material reflected their needs and experiences. The program also included mentoring and coaching, leading to labor market integration within three months. The project’s success was evident in its first-ever SIB (Social Impact Bond) funded initiative in Austria, surpassing both employment targets and broader social impact metrics such as digital skills acquisition and financial improvement.
Agia Skepi, Cyprus
Founded in 2011, Agia Skepi is a social enterprise focusing on organic products, initially established to engage individuals in rehabilitation programs during their free time. The enterprise operates as a bakery, organic egg producer, and food packaging provider, selling products through e-commerce, local markets, and major hypermarkets. By aligning with the rehabilitation center’s philosophy of a chemical-free and healthy lifestyle, the enterprise ensures that its activities support the detoxification and recovery process. The profits are entirely reinvested into the rehabilitation center, reducing external funding requirements. The enterprise fosters a normal working environment while integrating therapeutic principles, employing 18 individuals, including both current and former rehabilitation participants.
Concordia, Romania
Concordia addresses the challenges faced by young people from vulnerable backgrounds, helping them gain education, work experience, and social stability. The initiative operates two key social enterprises:
- Bakery – Established in 2011 as a solution to vocational school graduates struggling to enter the job market. The bakery provides these graduates with employment opportunities, giving them hands-on work experience.
- Bed & Breakfast (B&B) – Offers job placements and internships for youth supported by Concordia. Work assignments are tailored to individual capabilities, with simpler tasks for those with limited skills and customer-facing roles for those with higher competencies.
Both enterprises function as for-profit businesses, aiming for financial sustainability. In 2022, they generated €140,000 in revenue, with profits reinvested into Concordia’s broader support programs.
Travie, Belgium
Travie is a subcontracting enterprise that provides packaging, assembling, and delivery services, employing over 300 individuals with disabilities. The organization tailors job roles to match individual capabilities, ensuring that everyone can contribute effectively. A key success factor is their structured task division, ensuring that both simple and complex tasks are appropriately assigned.
However, Belgium’s oversaturation of similar organizations creates challenges, leading to inefficient competition for resources and contracts. Despite this, Travie has maintained financial stability, deriving 45% of its income from turnover and 55% from state benefits. A tiered state subsidy system compensates for productivity gaps, ensuring sustainability despite labor-intensive operations.
Universal Factors for Success
Mapping international work integration models in the social economy has provided valuable insights into both the opportunities and challenges in the field. While differences in regulations, cultural contexts, and operational environments create complexity, certain core principles—such as targeted support, effective mentoring, and social impact measurement—remain universal factors for success.
The examples highlighted how innovation, structured integration, and financial sustainability can drive meaningful employment opportunities for marginalized individuals. Moving forward, fostering collaboration and improving data transparency will be key to enhancing these models on a broader scale.
Athanasia Agriogianni works at Silta-Valmennusyhdistys.