In today’s war for talent, many companies are under pressure to find suitable employees. At the same time, there is a large group of talented individuals who, for various reasons, are distanced from the labor market. The partnership between BME, a specialist in e-fulfillment and logistics solutions, and De Wroeter, a certified social enterprise, demonstrates that these two challenges can complement each other perfectly.
In this episode, you’ll discover how inclusive practices in the logistics sector are not only socially responsible but also contribute to improved performance, greater stability, and new growth opportunities.
From social mission to core process
De Wroeter helps people from diverse backgrounds—ranging from those with long-term illnesses to those with mental or physical disabilities—find a sustainable place in the workforce. Rather than focusing on limitations, the organization focuses on talents.
BME has embraced this vision by assigning De Wroeter employees to key parts of the fulfillment process, such as assembly, pick-and-pack, and returns processing. This is not a mere bonus or a PR stunt: inclusive employment is built into the process and forms a strategic part of the operation.
The right people for the right tasks
One of the key factors for success is matching profiles to processes. Certain repetitive tasks, such as assembling packages, require precision and perseverance. While these tasks often become monotonous for regular temporary workers, employees at De Wroeter find them to be a source of calm, structure, and satisfaction.
By designing processes to be accessible to everyone, BME can ensure quality while providing a safe and stable work environment.
A win-win-win situation: everyone benefits
The collaboration benefits all parties involved:
- For De Wroeter: meaningful work for its employees, opportunities to transition to the regular job market, and job security.
- For BME: stable teams, lower staff turnover, higher product quality, and greater operational continuity.
- For the customer: reliable deliveries, consistent quality, and the added value of a socially responsible approach.
This triple win demonstrates that social entrepreneurship and economic performance are not opposites, but rather reinforce one another.
Stability as a strategic advantage
In logistics, stability is worth its weight in gold. While traditional staffing models often lead to high turnover and additional training time, the partnership with De Wroeter ensures continuity in staffing. Employees are familiar with the process, the company, and the standards, which reduces errors and increases production speed. Additionally, this long-term partnership enables BME to scale up capacity without compromising quality at critical moments.
Not cheap labor, but valuable labor
A common misconception is that inclusive employment is about cheap labor. The opposite is true: it requires investment in support, process design, and collaboration. But that investment pays off in the form of quality, loyalty, and a stronger reputation among customers.
What others can learn from this
The case of BME and De Wroeter demonstrates that inclusive employment in the fulfillment industry is both feasible and profitable. There are some clear lessons for other companies:
- Don’t view inclusion as an afterthought, but as an integral part of your process.
- Design processes that are accessible to everyone, so you can work inclusively from day one.
- Invest in collaboration and communication with your partners to achieve lasting results.
- Focus on talent rather than limitations, and match profiles with the right tasks.
So...
Inclusive employment is more than just a feel-good story; it is a strategic choice that can lead to improved performance, greater stability, and new opportunities. By partnering with a social enterprise like De Wroeter, BME demonstrates that, as a logistics partner, you can grow both economically and socially.
Wondering how an inclusive approach can also strengthen your e-fulfillment operations?