Our collaboration with inclusion workshops

Why we work with workshops for people with disabilities

At Hazy Herbs, we care not only about the quality of our products, but also about the people behind them. Our herbal blends are lovingly processed by people with special needs in inclusive workshops, among others. This collaboration isn't a decision based on economic reasons, but rather a matter close to our hearts.

Who our partners are

We work with two renowned institutions in Austria:

• Lebenshilfe Lower Austria / Upper Austria :
  Here, we offer people with special needs meaningful and structured activities that match their individual abilities. They pack, label, and sort our herbal blends—activities that fill them with pride and joy.
• Pro Mente Upper Austria :
  This organization supports people who have experienced psychologically challenging life situations in finding their way back into the job market. In a stable social environment, they learn how to participate in working life again.
  

Why this work is valuable

For many people in these workshops, work means much more than just employment. It provides:

• Meaning and structure in everyday life
• Pride and self-esteem through visible results
• Recognition and appreciation when their products are received and appreciated by customers

Fair conditions instead of wage dumping

We're constantly receiving critical questions about whether working in workshops is a form of wage dumping. We'd like to take a clear stance on this:

• The people in the Lebenshilfe NÖ workshops receive a monthly allowance in addition to their social benefits such as care allowance or disability pension.
• Pro Mente OÖ pays its clients a fixed salary .
• Our payments to the workshops are based on the usual wages that we would also pay a directly employed employee.

The respective facility uses this income to, for example, hire additional carers – which in turn directly benefits the local people through more intensive care and better working conditions .

Transparency and responsibility

We regularly visit the site and engage with the people there to ensure that collaboration takes place on equal terms and that the funds are used wisely. For us, this partnership isn't just a business model—it's a contribution to a more inclusive society.

No subsidies, no profit maximization

• We do not receive any subsidies for this collaboration.
• Hazy Herbs is a small company founded with passion and idealism. Our collaboration with workshops has been part of our philosophy from the very beginning.
• Other companies repeatedly terminate their cooperation with these workshops, even though the work they carry out is reliable and of high quality – just to bring production back in-house and save costs.

Conclusion of our cooperation with these workshops

We are aware of the critical debate surrounding sheltered workshops for people with disabilities. Our priority is that:

• People find a fulfilling task there
• Fairness and appreciation are lived
• Self-determination and co-determination are the focus

If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact us at any time. Transparency is important to us.

Thank you for supporting us and the people behind our products.