The Ethical Supply Chain Program (ESCP) has released its 2024 Worker Well-Being Impact Report. The report highlights the real-world benefits of ethical business practices and its positive impact on workforce well-being, productivity, and economic resilience.

“At ESCP, we believe that businesses thrive when workers thrive,” says Carmel Giblin, President and CEO of ESCP. “This year’s report demonstrates how prioritizing worker well-being leads to increased productivity, reduced turnover, and stronger communities.”

The report sees positive impacts in work-life balance, child care, leadership roles for women, training, and the Worker Helpline.

The report finds 8,000 workers and 10,000 children have benefited from employer-supported childcare. Last year saw an expansion of workplace-provided childcare, with 78 new spaces for working parents. Factories implementing these initiatives were rewarded with higher employee retention and improved workplace morale. 

Factories implementing gender-focused training initiatives found a 43% increase in gender equality scores. The industry has adopted new policies supporting career advancement, parental leave, and workplace protections for women. Workplaces are reporting reduced discrimination complaints and increased opportunities for women in leadership.

More than 10 million workers have had access to the Worker Helpline since its launch in 2010. The Helpline has provided assistance and guidance to factory and construction workers worldwide; factories with access to the Helpline have seen a decline in unresolved labor disputes. 

The ESCP offers a suite of capability-building initiatives related to factory compliance, promoting ethical manufacturing practices. Last year, the organization conducted more than 600 progress visits to help factories remain in compliance. Since launching last year, a series of training videos has reached more than 2,000 workers.

“Data inspires everyone. It enables the long-term development of worker well-being initiatives, building, not only a societal, but a business case for these policies,” said Giblin at the launch of UNICEF’s Family-Friendly Workplaces Toolkit. “Data from our Family-Friendly Factory program demonstrates long-term cost savings, improved retention, and turnover rates.” 

The program’s findings also report lower absenteeism and higher job satisfaction and performance. 

“The Family-Friendly Factory program has made remarkable strides in 2024, further supporting children’s well-being and aligning perfectly with our commitment to giving children and their families the opportunity to grow, learn, and explore through play,” says Tammy Smitham, Vice President, Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility at Spin Master. “We’re proud to see supplier relationships grow stronger as factories report increased employee morale and a more meaningful connection to the products they create. This initiative truly reflects our commitment to enabling positive change.”

For more information about ESCP, visit ethicalsupplychain.org.