In today’s rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, suppliers and brands face unprecedented challenges. From sudden production disruptions to unpredictable geopolitical shifts, suppliers and buyers alike are keen to implement resilient systems to minimize supply chain distributions, ensure worker safety, and comply with new supply chain and sustainability legislation.
South Asia and Southeast Asia are the manufacturing hubs of the world. Yet, several key sourcing countries are facing significant political change and unrest. Sri Lanka faced crippling inflation and widespread protests ultimately leading to the president resigning, Myanmar continues to be locked in a civil war, Thailand’s prime minster was recently, and surprisingly, ousted and  the ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh has heightened international concerns within the apparel and textile industry.
While political regime change can provide opportunities for workers and trade unions to negotiate for more rights and higher minimum wages (for example), unrest and uncertainty also often have negative effects on trade, the local economy, and safety that can impact workers.
Labor Solutions continues to support clients through these challenging times. WOVOÂ has proven to be a critical tool for suppliers to maintain communication with workers during crises, enhancing trust and safety. Brand clients have used the data to make sourcing decisions, support suppliers with resources and even target philanthropic support.
Political instability often impacts, already vulnerable workers. In these complex situations, where worker needs and protection are priority, being able to hear directly from workers about their concerns and priorities provides irreplaceable insights to companies make data-based decisions. And in our experience with post-coup worker surveys in Myanmar, workers want to share their perspectives and to be heard.
For Suppliers: Strengthening Communication and Decision-Making
Keeping Workers Informed and Engaged
In periods of disruption, maintaining clear communication with workers is crucial. WOVO’s Connect tool allows suppliers to communicate efficiently with their workforce, providing timely updates during critical events such as factory closures or production halts. For instance, after factory closures in Vietnam from COVID-19, a staggering 75% of workers returned to their jobs when WOVO was used to keep them informed and engaged, highlighting the platform’s effectiveness in maintaining workforce stability during challenging times​​.
Gauging Worker Sentiment and Addressing Needs
Understanding worker sentiment is key to navigating changes effectively. WOVO enables suppliers to take the temperature of their workforce, understand their needs, and implement necessary support measures. This proactive approach not only safeguards workers' rights but also strengthens the overall resilience of the workforce. In Myanmar, WOVO surveys revealed that garment workers have a strong desire to have their voices heard, leading to enhanced worker-management dialogues. In another instance, a factory in China used WOVO to cope with sudden COVID-19 lockdowns, providing reassurance to workers through regular updates and demonstrating the platform’s versatility in addressing urgent worker needs​​.
Making Informed Decisions with Real-Time Insights
WOVO provides suppliers with real-time, first-hand insights from workers, enabling them to make informed decisions quickly. This capability is vital for navigating the complexities of modern supply chains, where swift and informed decision-making can mean the difference between maintaining operations and facing significant setbacks. By directly connecting with workers, suppliers can anticipate issues and implement solutions before they escalate​​.
For Brands: Ensuring Worker Protection and Supply Chain Resilience
Gaining Insights from Workers at Scale
For brands, understanding the on-the-ground reality of their supply chains is essential for ensuring that workers are protected and safe. WOVO provides brands with comprehensive insights into worker sentiment across suppliers, allowing for a proactive approach to risk management, and a global view that allows for effective prioritization and support. This visibility is particularly crucial in high-risk regions, where the potential for human rights violations is heightened, and where multiple suppliers might benefit from similar support or training​​.
Providing Necessary Support Beyond Supplier Capabilities
There are times when the support needed by workers exceeds what suppliers can provide. WOVO allows brands to step in and offer the necessary resources, ensuring that workers receive the help they need, even in challenging circumstances. A notable example of this is during the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam, where WOVO facilitated brand-led support initiatives to distribute vaccines that not only significantly improved worker welfare​​, but also meant factories were able to get back to full production faster.
Proactive and Reactive Actions to Address Supply Chain Risks
New global supply chain regulations require proactive engagement with suppliers to address potential and actual risks to people from business operations. WOVO provides more effective early warning signals because it both asks workers about potential issues through worker perspective surveys, and supports the mitigation, termination and remedy of incidents through WOVO Connect’s grievance and case management tool. There is no need to wait for an issue to be raised before implementing preventative measures.
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Cases have shown time and again that companies that effectively listen to and engage their workforce are better equipped to navigate difficult times and make better, informed decisions. A proven worker engagement tool like WOVO ensures clear communications between workers and employers, provides real-time insights for suppliers and brands, and enables proactive support to ensure workplace and supply chain resilience.Â
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