What is the methodology behind the EcoVadis Worker Voice Survey?

• What is the EcoVadis Worker Voice Survey methodology?
• Why are the survey questions important?
• Are answers anonymous?
• How do you ensure all workers can participate?
• How do I boost participation if the target is not met? 
   

What is the EcoVadis Worker Voice Survey methodology?

The Ulula survey gathers critical data on working conditions and employee experiences through a structured approach.

• It begins with four demographic questions, collecting information on gender, age, migration status, and employment arrangement. This demographic data allows for nuanced analysis of responses across different worker groups.
• The core of the survey utilizes a Likert-type questionnaire, presenting workers with a series of statements related to their workplace. For each statement, respondents indicate their level of agreement on a five-point scale ranging from "strongly agree" (1) to "strongly disagree" (5). This format provides quantifiable data on workers' perceptions.
• The survey's 18 Key Performance Indicator (KPI) statements cover a broad spectrum of crucial labor standards and human rights topics. These include worker wellbeing, encompassing various aspects of employee satisfaction and health; the prevalence of discrimination and harassment; the fairness and legality of working hours; the respect for freedom of association and the right to organize; the extent of freedom of movement; the effectiveness of health and safety measures; the absence of child labor; and the accessibility and functionality of grievance mechanisms for workers to raise concerns. 
• The data collected through this comprehensive survey provides valuable insights for businesses and organizations seeking to understand and improve labor practices within their operations and supply chains.
   

Why are the survey questions important?

The survey questions aim to comprehensively evaluate the site's initiatives in tackling prevalent issues within identified themes. Obtaining candid feedback from workers is crucial, as their insights will pave the way for meaningful discussions and the development of effective strategies to address these challenges in the future. A thorough understanding of workers' experiences and perspectives will enable us to collaboratively formulate and implement targeted solutions.
 

Are answers anonymous?

Ulula collects minimal PII (Personal Identifiable Information). Our tools only capture stakeholder phone numbers.  This information is encrypted and not displayed on the front-end user interface of the platform. This completely anonymizes their participation and responses shared on the platform using the digital tools. The workers' individual responses are protected and not shared with anyone, including the requesting companies. 

How do you ensure all workers can participate?

In addition to achieving the target sample size, the following are the best practices to make sure that all workers can participate: 

• The promotional materials are made available in the most common local languages for workers in each country. The suppliers launching the survey are encouraged to invite workers from different demographic backgrounds to participate in the survey.
• Access to popular in-country channels (phone call, web, WhatsApp, etc.) to ensure that workers can utilize the channel they are most comfortable with to take the survey.
• Suppliers are encouraged to appoint worker survey champions (worker representatives, HR, welfare dept reps), promoting the survey among the worker population in team meetings, on PA system announcement,s etc.
• Cross-checking the factory registration form against the demographic data to ensure that the data represents all stakeholder groups.

How do I boost participation if the target is not met?

• Participation boosters active promotion - Promote the survey actively everyday through multiple channels. Through public address systems, internal messaging, or other internal communication channels until target participation is achieved.
• Smaller group announcements - Announce the survey to smaller batches of 5 -10 workers and encourage them to participate immediately after the announcement.
• Break time usage - encourage employees to use a few minutes of their lunch break or short breaks to complete the survey.
• Identify worker champions - worker representatives or tech-savvy workers who can train and guide co-workers