Ecolution Design achieves PSO Step 3: Building an inclusive labor market
Ecolution Design has achieved PSO Step 3 on the Prestatieladder Socialer Ondernemen (PSO). This is the highest recognition for social entrepreneurship in the Netherlands. The certification confirms that we contribute above average to employment opportunities for people with a vulnerable position in the labor market.
In our experience, this milestone is more than a formal acknowledgment. It reflects what we value as an organization: creating opportunities, unlocking talents, and building an inclusive future. For our team, it is also a motivation to show that social entrepreneurship creates value – for employees, for our partners, and for society as a whole.
What is the Prestatieladder Socialer Ondernemen (PSO)?
The Prestatieladder Socialer Ondernemen (PSO) is an independent certification developed by TNO. It measures how organizations contribute to employment for people with a distance to the labor market. The PSO makes this transparent and comparable, showing which companies structurally support an inclusive economy.
The ladder consists of several levels, from the Aspirant status to Step 3. Step 3 is the highest recognition, showing that an organization performs well above the national average in social employment. There is also the PSO 30+ certificate, which demonstrates that more than 30% of the workforce comes from the target group.
For Ecolution Design, achieving PSO Step 3 confirms that our efforts deliver measurable results. In our view, the PSO is not just a label, but also a driver for continuous investment in opportunities and guidance.
Why PSO certification matters
Achieving PSO Step 3 is an important milestone for Ecolution Design. In our experience, it has an impact on three levels: the organization, the employees, and society.
For Ecolution Design
The certification shows that we take social entrepreneurship seriously. More and more clients and partners request proof of inclusive practices in tenders and collaborations. With Step 3, we can demonstrate that we are committed to inclusive employment and deliver measurable social value.
For our employees
For employees with a vulnerable position, the PSO certification is about more than just a job. At Ecolution Design, we provide coaching, guidance, and the opportunity to develop at their own pace. Our insight is that this leads to sustainable employability, stronger teams, and greater job satisfaction.
For society
By being PSO-certified, we contribute to a broader movement towards an inclusive labor market. We believe this goes beyond our own company: through chain stimulation, we encourage our partners and suppliers to embrace social entrepreneurship as well. Together, this creates a greater impact.
Success stories in practice
Across the Netherlands, more organizations are achieving PSO Step 3 and proving that social entrepreneurship works. From our perspective, companies that integrate inclusivity into their culture achieve the most impact.
For Ecolution Design, achieving Step 3 is a comparable milestone. These examples, in our view, confirm that social entrepreneurship is not just about numbers, but about culture, support, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance. With Step 3, we join this network of companies committed to inclusivity.
How Ecolution Design achieved PSO Step 3
For us, achieving PSO Step 3 is the outcome of a deliberate and structured approach. In our experience, it is not only about offering jobs but about creating a culture of opportunity.
Our approach
Inclusive HR policy
Inclusivity is embedded in our recruitment and HR policies. We focus on talents rather than limitations, adjusting roles where needed.Coaching and guidance
Employees develop at their own pace, supported by coaching. Our insight is that this results in long-term employability and stronger commitment.Collaboration in the chain
We consciously work with partners who also embrace social entrepreneurship. This strengthens the chain and amplifies impact.Room for growth
At Ecolution Design, everyone gets the chance to grow personally and professionally. We see that this benefits both our employees and our organization.
In our view, Step 3 underlines that these efforts are effective and that we are performing above the national average in social entrepreneurship.
The future of social entrepreneurship and PSO
Achieving PSO Step 3 is a milestone for Ecolution Design, but not an endpoint. In our experience, the importance of social entrepreneurship is only increasing. Clients and partners increasingly value inclusivity, making PSO both a certification and a strategic tool.
Trends we observe
Labor market shortages: we see that tapping into underutilized talent pools helps address vacancies.
Social Return: public clients are placing more emphasis on measurable social results, and PSO certification directly supports this.
Chain stimulation: collaborating with socially responsible suppliers amplifies the positive effect.
Our vision for the future
For Ecolution Design, Step 3 means we will continue to expand our role as a social entrepreneur. We aim to create more workplaces, build new partnerships, and keep demonstrating that social entrepreneurship is a sustainable way forward. Our belief is that this forms the foundation of a future-proof and inclusive labor market.
