a.s.r. successful in supporting people distanced from the labour market

The PSO certification, an initiative by TNO, recognises companies that actively create job opportunities for people distanced from the labour market. a.s.r. has been committed to this for many years, by temporarily assigning individuals covered by the Dutch Participation Act to projects within the organisation. This approach offers them the opportunity to gain work experience and develop their employability skills - with guidance. The ultimate goal is to support their transition into a permanent role.

This year, a.s.r. expanded its target group to include refugees with residence permits and individuals receiving WIA benefits who are partially reintegrating. This broader inclusion aligns with the PSO definition of socially responsible entrepreneurship. At present, a total of 178 employees with a distance to the labour market are working at a.s.r.

Marloes Muus, HR manager: ‘We are incredibly proud to have retained Step 1. Following the merger with Aegon Nederland, a.s.r. has grown significantly, and the requirements for Step 1 have become more stringent. To maintain our certification, we actively explored opportunities within the integration process. The PSO label reinforces what we stand for: equal opportunities for everyone in the labour market.’

 The Social Enterprise Performance Ladder (PSO) objectively measures the extent to which an organisation engages in socially responsible entrepreneurship. Every two years, participating organisations are assessed to determine their position on the ladder. The aim of PSO is to help more people with a distance to the labour market find employment in a sustainable and qualitative way. PSO-certified organisations do this by creating job opportunities within their own organisation, and by encouraging their suppliers and contractors to adopt socially responsible practices.