If you're aiming to enhance your EcoVadis Labour & Human Rights score, you're in the right spot. Let’s explore some effective ways to elevate your EcoVadis score: 

• why the Labour & Human Rights theme matters
• relevant standards and frameworks
• practical steps you can implement starting today, to improve your EcoVadis rating.

Why Labour & Human Rights Matter in EcoVadis

Labour & Human Rights are crucial for any business, impacting not just the workforce but the entire supply chain. This theme is especially significant to companies undergoing EcoVadis assessment, as it reflects how well a company upholds ethical labour practices and supports equitable work environments.

By focusing on areas such as worker safety, fair wages, discrimination and forced labour, you can demonstrate your commitment to fair labour practices and human rights, and improve your EcoVadis ratings.

Five Practical Steps to Improve EcoVadis Labour & Human Rights Scores

Here are five actionable steps to boost your performance in Labour & Human Rights:

1. Establish Comprehensive Labour & Human Rights Policies: Develop clear policies that cover all aspects of labour rights, including anti-discrimination practices, child and forced labour avoidance, and fair compensation. Ensure these policies are well-communicated and enforced across all operations.
2. Enhance Health and Safety Measures: Implement rigorous health and safety protocols to protect your workers from occupational hazards. Regular training sessions and safety drills can help maintain high standards of workplace safety.
3. Promote Worker Engagement and Representation: Encourage open dialogue between management and workers. Support the formation of worker councils or unions to ensure that employees have a voice in labour decisions that affect them directly.
4. Conduct Regular Audits and Compliance Checks: Regularly assess your labour practices and supply chain to ensure compliance with international labour standards and local laws. Address any issues promptly to maintain trust and transparency.
5. Focus on Ethical Recruitment and Fair Treatment: Ensure that your recruitment practices are ethical, transparent, and free from discrimination. Promote diversity and inclusion within your workforce to foster a supportive and respectful work environment.

Relevant Standards and Frameworks for EcoVadis

To further refine your approach, consider reading up on these globally recognised standards and frameworks:

• ISO 45001: Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems for worker safety and well-being. This standard is certifiable and garners EcoVadis points under the Certifications indicator. 
• SA8000: A standard that helps you develop, maintain, and apply socially acceptable practices in the workplace. SA8000 is a certifiable standard developed by Social Accountability International and garners EcoVadis points under the Certifications indicator. 
• ILO Conventions: Covering a wide range of labour issues from forced labour to occupational safety and health. 
• UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights:  These principles provide a framework for your company to respect human rights in your operations and supply chains. 
• ISO 26000: Guidance for Social Responsibility. ISO 26000 is not a certifiable standard. However, EcoVadis mentions it as a foundational standard on which their methodology was built. 
• UN Global Compact: is an initiative whose member companies are required to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies. UNGC membership garners EcoVadis points under the Endorsement indicator. 
• Global Reporting Initiative (GRI): standards for sustainability reporting, including labour and human rights metrics. Your company’s public release of a sustainability report in accordance with GRI Standards can garner EcoVadis points under the Reporting indicator. 
• OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises: Recommendations that provide principles and standards for responsible business conduct in employment and industrial relations. 

Aligning your practices with these standards and frameworks not only boosts your scores but also builds a resilient and ethical business foundation.