For many job seekers, finding a job is only part of the challenge. Staying employed – and thriving at work – requires the right match between their skills, needs, and workplace. With support from the European Social Fund (ESF+), Werkzaak Rivierenland is providing tailored guidance to people who face significant barriers to employment.

The programme has already supported 1,100 people in finding sustainable work. By focusing on individual needs and reducing job coaches’ caseloads, Werkzaak Rivierenland is creating better outcomes for job seekers and employers alike.

‘Before, each coach was responsible for too many clients,’ explains Nathalie Kröger, coordinator at Werkzaak Rivierenland. ‘With so many people to follow, it was impossible to offer the level of support these job seekers really needed.’ Thanks to ESF+ funding, Werkzaak Rivierenland hired additional job coaches, reducing the caseload per coach. Job seekers now receive one hour of coaching every week, instead of just 1.5 hours per month.

This increased support allows coaches to understand not just the barriers keeping people out of work, but also the factors that will help them stay employed.

Tailored guidance and stronger connections

For some, the barriers to employment are deeply personal. Nathalie shares the example of a man with autism who struggled in noisy, distracting workplaces. ‘He told us, “If I see a bird, I have to look.” That might seem small, but for him, it was a major obstacle. By identifying the right kind of workplace – a calm, low-stimulus environment – we could match him with a job where he can succeed.’

These individual insights come from deeper conversations and stronger connections between job coaches and clients. ‘More time allows us to truly listen,’ Nathalie says. ‘We can dig into their skills, their needs, and their challenges. This helps us make better matches for the job seeker and for the employer.’

A win-win for job seekers and employers

In a tight labour market, where there are more vacancies than job seekers, employers face a different challenge: candidates may not always meet their requirements. Werkzaak Rivierenland bridges this gap by supporting both sides.

‘Job seekers with more distance to the labour market often need extra guidance – like learning essential workplace skills such as arriving on time or giving feedback,’ Nathalie explains. ‘At the same time, employers benefit because they know what to expect when hiring someone. It’s a win-win.’

The results are promising. Job placement success rates are higher than average, and fewer people are returning as job seekers.

Changing lives through sustainable work

For the people supported by Werkzaak Rivierenland, the impact goes beyond employment. ‘Many job seekers are acutely aware of their reliance on benefits. When they find a job, their whole outlook changes,’ says Nathalie. ‘Financial independence is important, but it’s also about belonging – feeling like you have a place and a purpose.’

Seeing those changes firsthand motivates Nathalie and her team. ‘We’re not just helping people find jobs. We’re helping them build a future. That’s why we do what we do.’ By focusing on tailored guidance, Werkzaak Rivierenland is helping job seekers take meaningful steps towards a brighter future.