Positive example: how inclusion can work in the workplace

35-year-old Viola Reuther from Klagenfurt found her way to her current job through autArK’s “ChancenForum” and is now an integral part of the team: “I started training as a hairdresser before that, but I didn’t like it,” says Reuther in the ‘Krone’ interview. Because looking for a job proved difficult, she ended up at the “ChancenForum”; a program designed to promote inclusion in the workplace.

“For the first three years, Viola worked for me 19 hours a week – she was insured and paid by autArK,” explains Verena Kulterer, boss of the Katzencafe in Klagenfurt, where Viola has now worked as a catering employee for almost six years. “After I met her, I wanted to try it out. As an entrepreneur, I of course also had to think about how I could best integrate Viola into my company,” says Kulterer. The regular conversations between the autArK supervisors and assistants also helped.

Takeover after expiry of the term
The 35-year-old feels well received in the café and in the team: “The interaction with each other is very friendly,” says Reuther, who mainly works in service and has increased her work performance to such an extent that she was eventually hired: “After three years the situation is dominant. There was no obligation to take over the program, but because Viola was always an asset to us, I hired her myself after the end of the term,” says the restaurateur proudly.

In general, she advises all entrepreneurs to experience inclusion in their own company: “This leads to a change in thinking in the company, you become more flexible and let go of strict structures.”