Sustainable business practices make the pie bigger
Jan Boeckx explains how A-kwadraat 5 EFQM stars, combines sustainable practices and quality for both today and tomorrow.
Recognition is a strange thing. If you chase after it, there’s a good chance you’ll overshoot your goal. But staying on course without any form of recognition isn’t easy. How do you keep a clear perspective on your work? That point on the horizon in your binoculars?
A-kwadraat mission A-kwadraat to increase the employment rate of people who are distanced from the labor market in the region and to focus on employee well-being.
We firmly believe that fulfilling that mission in a sustainable way is the only way forward. And by “sustainable,” I mean: with the interests of current and future generations in mind. We are borrowing time, space, and resources from them. That is our horizon.
Of course, we’re thrilled about the 5 EFQM stars we recently earned. EFQM fits us like a tailor-made suit—it’s not a straitjacket.
- First, because it views an organization as part of an ecosystem.
- Second, because it focuses on leadership and organizational culture.
- Third, because it strikes a balance between the present and the future.
- And finally, because it prioritizes value creation for stakeholders.
In fact, we’ve been doing this ever since our founding in 1964. As we’ve grown from a small workshop to a large one, we’ve continually adapted to societal changes and new stakeholders over the past 60 years. So we can safely say that the EFQM philosophy is in our DNA.
Even more than the recognition, however, what matters to us is the confirmation that sustainable work is not an “either/or” situation, but a “both/and” one. Yes, in your day-to-day work, you can treat people and resources sustainably while maintaining exceptionally high quality standards.
If we think of what we have to offer as a pie, then we don’t have to divide it up among the various interests and stakeholders, or between the present and the future. If one person gets a little more, does that mean another gets a little less? You can sustainably make the pie bigger for everyone involved in your organization—today and tomorrow.
The sparkle you see in our eyes these days comes not only from the 5-star rating we received in our audit, but also from 60 candles. This year, we at A-kwadraat are celebrating A-kwadraat 60th anniversary. That’s reason enough to celebrate.
And one thing I know for sure: there will be plenty of cake for everyone.
Jan Boeckx
Interested in working with us? Or do you just have a question? Feel free to contact us!
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About A-kwadraat
A-kwadraat a social enterprise for customized work strong roots in the Kempen region. For decades, we have combined a warm, personal approach with the professionalism of a modern company. Our driving force remains the same: everyone included.
For us, that means we dare to take action where others hesitate, are always ready to help one another and our partners, and value each other in what we do. Problems? We don’t shy away from them; together, we find a solution that works for everyone. That’s how we ensure your production runs smoothly, our people grow, and every hand counts.
Want to collaborate?
Together, we create work that makes sense. You outline your challenge; we provide the people, guidance, and breathing room in your schedule.
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