“Social companies build bridges into the labor market and set standards in quality and effectiveness,” explains Manuela Vollmann, chairwoman of arbeit plus Austria.
With more than 372,00 people without a job or in training and 84,000 long-term unemployed in Austria in October 2024, the long-term added value of social enterprises for the labor market is clearer than ever. For 15 years, arbeit plus Austria – together with Quality Austria – has annually awarded the quality seal (GSU for short) developed with the AMS to social enterprises that impress with the highest quality standards and sustainable social impact.
This year, ten companies will be honored that create new perspectives through their work, accompany people on their path to a professional future and strengthen social participation.
“The seal of quality shows that these companies do much more than just integration: they open up new perspectives for those affected and strengthen society as a whole,” says Sabine Rehbichler, Managing Director of arbeit plus. She underlines the added value of the seal of quality: “The seal of quality is not just a sign of quality – it is the foundation for social change. Social enterprises offer solutions for those who are looking for support and create sustainable added value for our society.”
AMS board member Petra Draxl adds: “In industry, quality is a given. It is just as crucial in the social economy – not only for the future of our society, but also for the stability and further development of the labor market. The services provided by social enterprises go far beyond mere employment. They offer people who are often on the margins of the labor market an opportunity and open up prospects for sustainable participation.”
arbeit plus also points to long-term secured financing for social enterprises in Austria. “Only on a plannable and sustainable basis can social enterprises fully exploit their potential for the overall economy and actively shape the necessary social and ecological transformation,” emphasizes Vollmann.
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