EcoVadis, a platform solution for sustainability information for global supply chains, expanded its product portfolio in April with a solution to improve working conditions in global supply chains. According to EcoVadis, with "EcoVadis Worker Voice," companies receive information about working conditions at suppliers—directly from those who are directly affected: the workers.
The core of the new offering, according to a press release, is a low-threshold survey tool through which workers can provide information about their working conditions—independent of their location, language, and literacy level. The solution was developed in collaboration with Ulula, acquired by EcoVadis in September 2024, to support companies in improving
working conditions, complying with regulations, and promoting effective improvements in their supply chains.
Global Uncertainty Increases Risk of Unethical Working Conditions
Cost pressures, an uncertain business environment, tariffs, and disruptions in globalized supply chains increase the risk that workers bear the brunt in global value chains. EcoVadis Worker Voice aims to provide companies with a cost-efficient system that allows them to quickly gain local insights into labor and human rights risks, within their own company and at their suppliers.
EcoVadis Worker Voice has committed to providing direct real-time access to working conditions at all levels of the supply chain through a survey tool.
This includes, among other things:
- Accessible multi-channel feedback: According to the provider, EcoVadis Worker Voice was developed to overcome common barriers such as language, literacy, and access to technology. It aims to enable workers to provide their feedback through various channels, for example via SMS or in-person surveys, so that even workers in remote or high-risk areas can participate.
- Anonymity for better risk identification: All inputs and feedback are anonymous, meaning employees can share their experiences without fear of reprisals from their employers. This is intended to encourage honest responses that reflect the facts and help companies gain authentic insights into the working
- conditions in their own company and at their suppliers.
- Actionable insights in real-time: Once feedback is submitted, EcoVadis Worker Voice processes and analyzes the data and displays critical issues in real-time. These can include forced overtime, workplace safety or health deficiencies, harassment, or other work-related issues. Companies can quickly identify risks on the part of their suppliers and take appropriate action.
- Simplified social compliance and due diligence: EcoVadis Worker Voice aligns employee feedback with industry standards and regulatory requirements, such as modern slavery laws or human rights due diligence. This allows companies to check compliance with regulations and strengthen their efforts towards sustainability
