StaffPoint and Diak promote Roma employment through a new collaborative project
StaffPoint and Diaconia University of Applied Sciences (Diak) have launched a collaboration as part of the Mahdollisuus osallisuuteen (“Opportunity for Inclusion”) project. The goal of this partnership is to promote equality in working life and improve employment opportunities, particularly for people with a Roma background.
Although the education and employment levels among the Roma have risen significantly, many still face barriers to employment. Prejudice remains one of the main obstacles, even when applicants have the necessary skills and motivation. Studies show that most employers who have hired Roma employees would gladly do so again. (Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, 2019).Opens in a new tab
These barriers can be reduced through active efforts to build a more equal working life — for example, by fostering public dialogue and providing workplace training. A person’s success should be defined solely by their skills, experience, and motivation. This is precisely what the Mahdollisuus osallisuuteen project and StaffPoint aim to achieve through their cooperation.
Motivated Workforce for Companies – Opportunities for Individuals
The Mahdollisuus osallisuuteen project, implemented by Diak and the Finnish Roma Forum (SRF), is a three-year initiative co-funded by the European Union. It focuses particularly on strengthening the inclusion of young people with Roma backgrounds.
One of the project’s goals is to build corporate partnerships in the Uusimaa region. The project already has a growing network of partners committed to advancing equality for the Roma community in various ways.
The collaboration with StaffPoint brings new possibilities to the project. As one of Finland’s leading HR service companies, StaffPoint employs thousands of people and has an extensive network of client organisations across different industries.
“Through this project, we want to help participants find employment that matches their skills and aspirations. With corporate partnerships, we aim to connect skilled jobseekers with employers who need their expertise,” explains Katri Janerko, Project Manager of Mahdollisuus osallisuuteen at Diak.
“StaffPoint is strongly committed to developing working life, and we believe that everyone should have the right to pursue their professional dreams, regardless of their background. We envision a workplace culture that is equal, inclusive, and full of opportunities for all. Our mission is to remove barriers to employment and promote a more equal job market. We also want to raise public awareness and spark societal discussion so that individuals are recognised for their skills, experience, and motivation alone,” says Anu Ahokas, CEO of StaffPoint.
The collaboration between Diak and StaffPoint is part of a broader effort to create a more inclusive working life. Diak is also known for its highly successful Työnimi campaign, which highlighted employment discrimination faced by the Roma community.
The Mahdollisuus osallisuuteen project also works closely with other societal actors and stakeholders. The initiative has attracted international attention, and the aim is to expand and share the developed practices nationwide in the future.
More information
StaffPoint
Essi Knuutila, Director of Marketing and Communications
Diak
Katri Janerko, Project Manager, Mahdollisuus osallisuuteen project
+358 50 598 8459
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