What you'll need to do once the survey launches

This section provides information regarding the EcoVadis Worker Survey. It addresses common questions about target sample size, survey access for workers, methods to encourage participation, the restriction of single submissions, the option to skip questions, strategies for maximising participation rates, accessibility for workers without smartphones or literacy skills, the inability to edit responses after submission and the duration of survey deployment.

• How many workers need to complete the survey? What is the target sample size?
• How can workers access the survey?
• What is my Factory ID, and where can I find it?
• How can I encourage worker participation?
• Can workers take the survey more than once?
• Can workers skip questions?
• How can I maximise participation rates?
• What if workers do not have smartphones or struggle with reading?
• Can workers go back to previous questions or edit their responses after submitting?
• How long will the survey be open for?

How many workers need to complete the survey? What is the sample size?

To accurately reflect your workers' views, please provide the total number of employees at your worksite (a rounded estimate is fine). We call this the ‘population size’. 

Examples of population size:

• 500 factory workers
• 1000 plantation farmers
• 3000 manufacturing employees

From the population size, we automatically calculate the number of participants needed to provide valid and accurate survey results with a high level of confidence. We call this the ‘sample size’, which is statistically representative of the views of the entire workforce. To ensure meaningful results for your business and your requesting partner, we aim for a 95% confidence level, with +/- 5% margin of error for all our survey results.

Examples of sample size:

For a factory of  500 workers, the sample size is 218 participants

For a plantation of 1000 farmers, the sample size is 278 participants

For a manufacturing site of 3000 employees, the sample size is 341 participants

How can workers access the survey?

Workers can participate in the survey by reviewing the poster for available channels and languages. 

What is my Factory ID, and where can I find it?

Your unique Factory ID can be found on the poster we share with you via email. You'll receive an email with the poster within five business days of registering. Please ensure you post the flyer in common areas to maximise visibility and participation (such as break rooms, main doors, canteens, restrooms, etc.).

How can I encourage worker participation?

Carefully review all deployment instructions for a smooth and successful implementation. Actively promote the survey to your workforce to maximise participation. Display the provided posters in visible communal areas and inform employees about the survey's purpose via internal channels like email, meetings, or newsletters. Consider allocating paid time for employees to complete the survey to encourage higher engagement and valuable feedback.

Can workers take the survey more than once?

The survey allows only one submission per worker to ensure data integrity and prevent duplicates, guaranteeing feedback reflects individual experiences. If a worker tries to access the survey after completing it, they'll see a notification informing them of their prior participation, maintaining data validity.

Can workers skip questions?

The survey allows skipping questions, but complete answers provide better data for accurate analysis and solutions. Skipped questions mean we miss information, and responses are incomplete. Explain the value of full participation and question relevance to encourage thorough engagement and improve data quality.

How can I maximise participation rates?

To maximise survey success, build trust and engagement through consistent announcements in meetings. Actively encourage everyone to participate, emphasising their feedback's value in achieving shared goals. Clearly communicate that participation is anonymous and voluntary with no negative consequences for non-participation. This builds confidence and encourages honest responses.

What if workers do not have smartphones or struggle with reading?

The Phone call option, if available in your country, enables all workers, regardless of smartphone access or literacy, to participate and share concerns. This phone-based option reaches those who cannot use apps or read. The user-friendly IVR system allows users to repeat questions for clarity, ensuring comprehension and accurate feedback. We prioritise inclusivity and gather input from the entire workforce.

Can workers go back to previous questions or edit their responses after submitting?

Workers can only submit one survey response via a single method. If interrupted, they can resume from where they left off using the same method. Once an answer is submitted, it cannot be changed to ensure data integrity and prevent bias.

How long will the survey be open for?

The survey will be open for 2 weeks. Please inform your workers of the start and end dates and encourage broad participation to gather diverse perspectives for effective outcomes. We appreciate your help in distributing this information.

Frequently asked questions:

When a company is invited to participate, will they share the worker population? 

Yes, once the rated company receives the invitation to participate, they will have to complete the self-registration process, where we will collect the following information: 

• Worksite Name and location details (country, region, etc.)
• Number of Employees from the participating worksite EcoVadis ID
• DUNS number