Erling found his way back to work: - Feels good to be wanted

The story started through NAV and the work inclusion company Sens Arbeidsinkludering. After a period when he couldn't work fully in his previous job in media, his supervisor suggested something new.

- My supervisor had heard that there was going to be a canteen here and asked if it could be something for me. I was skeptical at first," says Erling.

The solution was a trial week.

- The supervisor said I could try it and see how it went. When I got here, I met nice colleagues and that made everything so much easier.

From skeptical to confident

Today, the workday consists of everything from preparing water, coffee and napkins to keeping the coffee shop in order, assisting with cleaning, maintaining outdoor areas and helping with catering deliveries. The job also involves a lot of customer contact.

- The best thing about the job is the contact with people. I like talking to people and helping out where needed.

In Compass Group, there are now several people from Sens Arbeidsinkludering working together with work counselors. The aim is to give people the opportunity to try out working life, build experience and find mastery.

- For us, this is about systematizing this in a good way for everyone, and creating a working environment where people can develop and succeed on their own terms. When we see how Erling has grown into the role and become an important part of the team, we also see the value work inclusion creates, both for the individual and for the workplace as a whole, says Andre Eriksson, canteen operations manager.

For Erling, the job has become an important part of everyday life.

- It's nice to have something to look forward to. I notice that I'm wanted at work, and that means a lot.

He says that he now always looks forward to a new week.

- I like being here. It makes a difference to have something meaningful to go to and to be part of a community.

A piece of advice from someone who knows

When asked what advice he would give to others who are offered their first job through a similar program, the answer is simple:

- Don't be too skeptical. Take the plunge. Take a trial week and see how it goes. If it's not for you, you'll know. But if it works, just keep at it.

Erling's story shows what social sustainability can look like in practice. Through collaboration between NAV, Sens Arbeidsinkludering, Canica and Compass Group, more people are given the opportunity to find their place in working life and create their own space for success.

Take a look at the Room for Success episode Erling was featured in here.