Louwman has taken a major and extremely impressive step on the Social Enterprise Performance Ladder (PSO): we have advanced directly from Aspirant (prospective) status to level 2. This means that Louwman offers high-quality employment to those with a disadvantage in the labour market and favours working with organisations that currently do the same or strive to do so. Louwman is therefore making an enduring and above-average contribution to social enterprise.

As a family business, Louwman feels a strong sense of responsibility for both current and future generations. Our organisation is interwoven in society; this is our raison d’être. We recognise that our actions have a direct impact on the community. And have done for almost 100 years!

Everyone counts – Inclusive employment
Louwman is a Socially Responsible Enterprise that is determined to make mobility accessible to all, in a way that optimally suits the individual. We can only achieve this if Louwman reflects our entire customer base. As an employer, we ensure that every colleague – regardless of their background, education or physical capabilities – feels understood, at home and enjoys an opportunity for personal development at Louwman.

Step 2 on the PSO ladder therefore demonstrates that Louwman performs above average in terms of providing sustainable employment for those with a disadvantage in the labour market. In addition to facilitating workplaces within their own organisations, PSO-certified organisations also encourage their suppliers and contractors to conduct business in a socially responsible way. Louwman consciously chooses to purchase products and services from SW companies (Sheltered Workplaces) and/or other PSO-certified organisations.

The PSO performance ladder
The PSO is a science-based assessment tool and TNO certification that objectively assesses and visualises the degree of social enterprise. This is done on the basis of an independent evaluation by a certifying body. The PSO has become the Dutch national standard for social enterprise.

PSO certification has four performance levels: Aspirant status, Step 1, 2 and 3. Louwman has progressed directly from Aspirant status to Step 2. Step 2 means that Louwman now (in)directly employs more people with a disadvantage in the labour market than other organisations in the same size class. However, this step is not an end goal; we intend to progress further.