How volunteering can lead to a permanent job
The search for suitable work is not always easy. That was also true for an employee whom Puls supervised in a 2nd track and a UWV Werkfit trajectory. Due to her limitations, the employee could not work with a monitor and frequent walking was not possible. Finding a sedentary position without a monitor and with minimal physical strain proved challenging. Nevertheless, after a successful trajectory, she eventually found her niche.
A fresh start with the UWV Workfit program
During the 2nd track, the employee failed to find something suitable. After two years of illness, she got in touch with Puls again, this time for guidance in a UWV Werkfit trajectory. Because she is creative, she and a career and reintegration consultant from Puls arranged a volunteer position in a nursing home where she could use her talents. She herself had her doubts at first, but decided to give it a chance anyway. And with success: she immediately did very well and enjoyed it immensely.
Volunteerism grows into more
What began as volunteer work soon grew into more. The employee was given the opportunity to teach creative workshops at multiple locations. She grabbed that opportunity with both hands and soon her week was filling up with creative activities, something that gave her a lot of energy.
The move to a contract
Things went so well that the employee was rewarded and allowed to expand her duties. After the employee was allowed to walk along in the day care program a few times, both sides were so satisfied that she was offered a zero-hours contract in July. The zero-hours contract has since been converted into a permanent contract for 18 hours a week. A nice reward for her efforts and an example of how volunteering can eventually lead to a paid job.
Looking Ahead
The goal is to expand her contract hours even further in the future. But the most important step has been taken. The employee experienced a long period of illness and uncertainty, but has now made the step to suitable work where she can express her creativity and experience pleasure. This employee's story shows that it is important to keep moving, that way new opportunities can always arise.
Want to know more?
Would you like to learn more about how our career and reintegration consultants assist employees within the UWV Werkfit program? Then feel free to contact us.
