The most important thing is to be needed" – Back to work with PROJECT PRINT

The most important thing is to be needed" – Back to work with PROJECT PRINT

When people leave their jobs due to a mental illness, it is often difficult for them to find a way back into the job market. A working day is important for many, as it provides emotional and financial stability. How this can succeed is demonstrated by the social enterprise PROJEKT PRINT, a cooperation partner of famPlus. Michael Rahm from PROJEKT PRINT reports on how employees and customers benefit from it.

Those who suffer from mental illness often have difficulty, even in the job market. Various studies show that people with mental illnesses are affected by unemployment at an above-average rate. Although the majority want to work, unemployment is particularly high in this segment of society.1 

For people with mental illnesses, the path to the labor market is often associated with special obstacles, and many do not succeed. Yet it would be important for them. Experts agree that returning to work can be a building block in the recovery process.

A project that provides targeted support for re-entry is the PROJECT PRINT PROJEKT PRINT is a print shop—and much more. It is a social enterprise that offers career opportunities. "We find that particularly special and worth supporting," says Johannes Winklmair of famPlus.

A cooperation with social impact

For four years, famPlus has been using the services of PROJEKT PRINT: for printing and mailing the care folders, letterheads, business cards, brochures, and other printed products. "We choose PROJEKT PRINT because we want to support social commitment," says Winklmair. The second advantage is the high quality. "The PROJEKT PRINT team works reliably." Orders are discussed and, if necessary, feedback is provided. "This is completely different from placing an order with an anonymous online printing company—and you can feel it in the high-quality work," reports Johannes Winklmair.

What is special about PROJECT PRINT? In the interview, Michael Rahm, social educator and operations manager of PROJECT PRINT, talks about the company. He explains how they succeed in preparing people for the workday and what benefits the social enterprise offers, even for customers.

Mr. Rahm, what exactly is PROJECT PRINT?

We are a social enterprise and employ only people who cannot work in the mainstream job market. Currently, we have 35 employees, many of whom have mental illnesses and have been unemployed for a long time.

What is the goal of PROJECT PRINT?

This varies from person to person. We offer qualification measures for the unemployed and support them in getting fit again for the primary labor market. For many, however, this is not an option, but rather it's about providing meaningful employment on a permanent basis.

What are the consequences for people with mental illnesses when they are unemployed?

Due to high stress or burnout, they often drop out of the job market. When they no longer work, a downward spiral often begins: people withdraw, family problems arise, the financial situation becomes difficult, many accumulate debt and barely leave their homes. Many problems come together and it is a limitation when you have lost your job.

What is the impact when people with this experience start working again? How do you experience this at PROJECT PRINT?

We are a small team here in the printing office and can flexibly distribute tasks among ourselves. There are various activities that our employees can engage in here. Of course, this also depends on their qualifications. Those who have no experience yet can perform simple tasks like folding paper or assembling folders. An experienced media designer, on the other hand, can also create designs.

What does working with people do?

It's all about building self-confidence. The immediate goal is not necessarily for someone to get a job in the regular job market. What is important is that people experience being needed again. They can engage in a meaningful activity and receive appreciation for it. This is crucial for one's own self-confidence. Additionally, work provides many with a helpful routine for daily life and allows them to experience social contacts again.

How do you specifically support the employees on the way?

Most employees come to us through the job center. Our social worker conducts the intake interviews and develops the goals individually with the people. We are a permanent team of five people who provide professional guidance and pedagogical support. We usually have two years to determine the future path with the person. This could mean recommending further education or training or facilitating contacts to return to the regular job market. Sometimes we find that it's too much for the person. Then we look for another permanent job. This can be with us or in another company.

What experiences do you have with the customers?

Most customers consciously choose us because they want to support the social project. Many come from the social sector themselves and place great importance on strengthening inclusion and related projects. Especially in times of online printing services, it's often about the cheapest price. Customers also tell us that they might have to pay a little less elsewhere, but they are convinced by the quality of the work. Our customers are really very satisfied because the employees work very precisely. A lot of manual work is required here, and the employees take the time to check the designs and prints. They put in a lot of effort, and you can see that in the products.

Your employees learn a lot here. What do you personally take away?

It's nice to see how people develop when they feel needed again. I take away from this that you often achieve a better result and are more productive overall if you spread less stress and complete tasks slowly but thoughtfully.