"Bee Werkse! I get the time to find my own pace”

Lejla Zukić (43) has a development position at the office Werkse!. After an accident, she needed time to recover and had to make some adjustments to be able to return to work. “My tip: take the first step from welfare to work. At Werkse! you get the chance to find your way.”

 Lejla came at the age of 14^e years to the Netherlands. “We fled with our family from Bosnia-Herzegovina. After that, our life started here. I went to school and studied international business I studied at a university of applied sciences. I had part-time jobs and internships abroad. After that, I had jobs at companies in the Netherlands and Bosnia-Herzegovina. I kept traveling back and forth between my two home countries, partly because I wanted to help my grandparents, who still lived in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

First step forward
Those trips gave Lejla the idea to start her own business. She wanted to organize trips for Dutch people to Bosnia-Herzegovina. "Unfortunately, that's when the coronavirus crisis started, and the business wasn't successful." She also had an accident during that period. "I was left with permanent health problems. I couldn't work for a while and ended up on welfare." And that's why she received an invitation to go to Werkse! "From the very first contact, I fell in love with the organization. It's so wonderful that everyone goes above and beyond to help people who struggle to find work get a step forward. I'm glad I was able to start here in a development role. I now work four days a week for 26 hours and can stay until the end of July."

Behind the computer
Lejla works at the business office. "Here at the office, I do all kinds of administrative tasks, like sending invoices and checking work hours. I work on the computer and do a lot of Excel. I've also learned to work with different programs, like AFAS business software." It took some getting used to at first. "When I started, I thought, 'Give me all the tasks!' Because I was used to doing a lot at once. But here, I was told to take it easy and take my time to learn things. And it's good that I learned to find my own pace. Thanks to Werkse! I know that I don't want to go back to the way of working from the past."

Start small
Before Lejla started, she was at home for a while. “After my accident, I couldn't think ahead. I was scared, didn't feel like it, and was in therapy. I had come to a standstill. But I found my way back. And to everyone on welfare, I want to say: try to do something about it.” Werkse!You have your whole life to learn. Of course, you have to start small. So, I gave myself a small task every day, or I went for a walk. And I sought help from supportive people around me. Then you can slowly start thinking about work again, for example. So take the step, try to do something, and achieve something.

Helping people move forward
Lejla is doing all sorts of things to develop herself. "I attended various training courses, such as "Sterk aan het Werk" (Strong at Work). The great thing is that we, as participants, really got to know each other and we stay in touch. We also visited organizations that offer work, which is inspiring. I thought the Pieter van Foreest care organization was a great company and would love to work with the elderly." So, Lejla is still figuring out what her dream job is. "In my next job, I'd prefer more contact with people; I miss that now. I also enjoy working towards a goal, which is less so in this job; the work is always ongoing. Although I studied business, I ideally want a job where I help other people progress. And where my work matters."

Getting space
“If I could dream really wildly for a moment, I would like to Werkse! "I want to start a business in Bosnia-Herzegovina!" Lejla laughs. "There are so many people there who could use this help. But unfortunately, the government doesn't support it financially." In any case, she's happy with her developmental position. "It's nice to be off welfare and earning my own money. Plus, I get the chance to restructure my life and develop myself. It's wonderful to have that opportunity!"

What is a development track?
In a development position at one of the work-study companies of Werkse! People can gain experience, learn, and try things out at their leisure. The next step is a job with an employer. The total development trajectory lasts a maximum of three years.

Photo: Alyssa van Heyst