In our current society, it is not self-evident for many people to find their place in the labor market. Factors such as long-term unemployment, physical or mental limitations, or simply a lack of work experience make it difficult for them to get started. Social workplaces offer these people a valuable opportunity to build skills and self-confidence in a safe, supervised environment. But social workplaces are also a solution for the integration of refugees, in which they learn the language and culture while they work.
At BikeFlip we prefer to call it inclusive workplaces. In this we combine our vision of inclusion with learning practical skills and contributing to the circular economy . Our inclusive workplaces focus on bicycle repair, where people learn new technical skills and can work on their return to the labor market. In this way we not only help them on their way to work, but we also support them in finding their place in society.
What does an inclusive workplace entail?
A social workplace – also called an "inclusive workplace" at BikeFlip – is a specially designed place that helps people with a distance to the labor market to participate again. This means that people who have difficulty finding a job for various reasons are given the opportunity to grow at their own pace. At BikeFlip, for example, our employees learn to repair bicycles, which allows them to develop technical skills, but also to work on their social skills. They are supported by experienced colleagues and are given the space to gradually rebuild their confidence.
The Impact of Inclusive Workplaces
Inclusive workplaces don’t just impact the lives of employees; they also strengthen the social fabric of a company. The environment of an inclusive workplace, like BikeFlip, is focused on inclusion and collaboration. Employees feel included, and by providing not just a work experience, but a community where they feel safe and supported, we help them become more empowered.
An inclusive workplace also has an impact not only on the employee, but also on the people around them. Family members and friends see how someone develops and how the step to work provides more stability and self-esteem. This contributes to creating a bicycle-friendly world, in which cooperation and personal growth are central, as we also see at BikeFlip . This creates a positive spiral of motivation and personal growth.
Work experience trajectory at BikeFlip
At BikeFlip we offer work experience projects of at least six months for residents of surrounding municipalities who are interested in bicycle technology. These programs help participants to build up a work rhythm and develop employee skills. During this period, participants work intensively on their technical and professional skills, supported by personal learning lists and regular coaching moments. With this approach, we not only contribute to their development, but also to reducing mobility poverty . This ensures that everyone feels supported and valued in their learning process. After successful completion, participants receive a practical certificate MBO Bicycle Technology, with which they take a first, valuable step towards their future.
Inclusive workplaces the BikeFlip way
Personal development and skills
At BikeFlip, everyone gets the chance to expand their technical knowledge of bicycle repair. They learn everything from changing a tire to adjusting gears. But it's not just about the technique: our colleagues also develop important social skills, such as supporting each other and asking for help. This enables them to be more versatile in future jobs.
Creating structure and rhythm
Work offers structure and regularity, which helps many people to find more balance in their lives. At BikeFlip we use fixed working hours and set clear goals for the work. For our employees this means a stable basis. With a fixed rhythm and work goals we also contribute to strengthening mobility and self-reliance , so that they can better structure their lives.
Intensive guidance and personal support
Good guidance is at the heart of our inclusive workplaces. At BikeFlip we provide a safe environment where employees are encouraged to develop themselves. They are not only guided in technical tasks, but also supported on a personal level to get the most out of their work experience.
A sustainable impact on society
Our mission goes beyond making a social impact. By working together on bicycle repairs, we actively contribute to the circular economy. Thanks to the efforts of our Upcycle Experts, around 25 bicycles are flipped every day in the workshop. Each of them can be proud of their work. In this way, they are not only building their own future, but also contributing to a more sustainable world. Our own internal research has shown that participants experience a higher sense of self-confidence since working at BikeFlip.
Practical experience at BikeFlip: a step towards self-reliance
At BikeFlip, our employees are given the opportunity to gain technical skills in bicycle repair, which for many is a first step towards further employment opportunities. After completing the work experience trajectory, they can move on to (paid) work within BikeFlip, outside BikeFlip, an education or another internship. These steps are supervised in close cooperation with municipalities, job coaches and the participants themselves. This work not only increases their self-confidence, but the contact with team members helps them to stand stronger in their shoes. In this way, we create a solid foundation with which they can take the next steps towards the regular labor market.
Conclusion
Social workplaces, which we at BikeFlip also call "inclusive workplaces", are of great value in our society. At BikeFlip we strongly believe in the power of work as a means to help people grow, both personally and professionally. For us, inclusive workplaces are not only a means to offer our employees a future, but also to contribute to a better society. In this way, together, with and for our employees, we take steps towards an inclusive and sustainable future.
