The Goldschmeding Foundation, a foundation committed to a better world, is convinced that everyone would benefit if people cared for each other a little more. ‘The economy should be there for the people, not the other way around. People should be central.’
Now that the shortage on the labor market is growing, according to De Geus, it’s time to take people more seriously. ‘But the risk is that these kinds of problems are paid for with money. Of course, there must also be a good reward for the work, but if you continue to redeem the problems, you will continue to work with such a system. But that’s not part of a decent economy.”
To contribute to these ideals, the foundation activates projects that invest in a different way of thinking and acting in the economy.
Governments
“The government is not very good at thinking long-term,” says De Geus. “Governments have quite limited room for political manoeuvre. We also need to look at what is possible in today’s market, where much is determined by competitive relationships. In a society where governments and the market are limited in what they can do, the question is how to keep a movement going.’
The foundation thus makes the projects possible by working with partners who bring companies together. ‘We also support this with scientific research. All in all, we look at where the opportunity for innovation lies. If it works, it will be expanded.’
Method
An abbreviated course for medically trained people from abroad is a good example, according to De Geus. “That group is not entering the Dutch labor market, even though there is a severe shortage of personnel. Our project partner has found that work-study programs work well to place these people in the job market. Last year this project was successful in one hospital, so this year the project will be extended to five other hospitals.’
According to De Geus, it is a matter of looking at people’s sustainable employability. “It shouldn’t just be about exploiting people. In a humane economy, it is about making work sustainable and making the labor market inclusive. So really engage people who are still on the sidelines.’
Listen to the entire January 18 episode of Business here