Example in Action: Technology to Engage Migrant Workers

Photo Credit: Rodion Kutsaiev_Unsplash

Companies and civil society groups are increasingly turning to worker communication platforms as an important tool in addressing the vulnerabilities of migrant workers and improving employee engagement. These applications provide companies with direct lines of communication with migrant workers in their supply chain. Digital worker feedback platforms often offer sustainability staff real-time information on health, safety, and environment, and insight into operations that help identify and address social compliance risks, including specific code of conduct violations and worker grievances.

Some applications provide workers with peer-to-peer information-sharing and access to support services. Other common features include push notifications to workers on their rights and resources, customizable worker surveys and feedback tools, and anonymous grievance mechanisms.

Examples of platforms that engage migrant workers include:

LaborLink is a mobile platform from ELEVATE* that has reached more than 3 million workers in 20 countries. LaborLink integrates a phone-based Worker Sentiment Survey and allows a two-way communication channel between workers, employers, and community-based organizations.
Worker Connect is a communications platform from TechSoup.* It allows workers to anonymously share feedback with companies, provides workers with information on labor laws, and gives compliance professionals information to identify and address code of conduct risks and violations.
Ulula* offers a customizable platform that enables real-time communication with workers in more than 100 countries, deploys surveys and alerts, integrates training and resources, and includes an anonymous reporting tool to identify problems.
WOVO is a smartphone application from Labor Solutions* that began as a tool for factory and farm workers mainly in Southeast Asia, and now operates around the world, providing business solutions for building resilient supply chains by connecting, engaging, and educating workers. WOVO was recently featured in a case study of grievance mechanisms for businesses.
The Responsible Sourcing Tool contains Migrant Worker Interviews that can be used when conducting targeted migrant and foreign contract worker interviews. Companies can also use these sample interviews to shape their own worker interview questionnaires to improve the ability of auditors to identify possible cases of abuse or recruiter-induced human trafficking at company, supplier, and subcontractor facilities.