Worker Voice: Using technology to drive cultural change in the garment manufacturing industry.

The webinar will deep-dive into the topic of ‘Worker Voice.’ In 2018, in collaboration with a supplier partner (Shahi Exports), clothing brand (The Children’s Place) and technology solution developer (WOVO by Labor Solutions) we conducted a randomized controlled trial evaluation of an SMS-based worker communication tool. We found that encouragement to use the tool reduced absenteeism by 3-4%. This unique collaboration between a brand, suppliers, a technology solution company, and an evaluation organization offers multiple perspectives and underscores the need for ‘worker voice’ for different stakeholders. Through this webinar, we hope to offer insight into how evaluations, alignment across organizations on sustainability priorities, and technology can be leveraged to increase transparency and accountability within a factory setting. Further, the discussion will address challenges such as low digital literacy among workers and the need for buy-in from all stakeholders involved including workers, management, and factory owners.