EcoVadis has unveiled Worker Voice Connect, a new digital grievance mechanism aimed at improving how organisations and procurement teams address worker concerns across global supply chains. The tool builds on EcoVadis’ existing Worker Voice solutions, developed in partnership with Ulula, and enables direct, real-time feedback on workplace conditions.
Pierre-François Thaler, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of EcoVadis, said traditional grievance systems often fail to reach supply chain workers.
“Grievance and whistleblower channels have been around for decades, but often only for direct employees,” he explained. “They rarely reach workers in the supply chain, leaving organisations blind to potential risks and limiting workers’ access to remedy.”
Historically, grievance mechanisms have focused on corruption or compliance issues within corporate settings, leaving many vulnerable workers unaware of or hesitant to use such systems. Worker Voice Connect addresses this gap by offering an accessible and anonymous platform through which workers can raise concerns securely and continuously.
The platform supports communication through commonly used channels such as WhatsApp, QR codes and web portals, and is available in 20 languages. It allows two-way anonymous dialogue between workers, suppliers and buyers, helping to identify and mitigate risks early. Both buyers and suppliers can track case progress, remediation actions and performance through centralised dashboards.
Designed for simplicity and scalability, the tool facilitates collaboration across global supply networks while meeting growing regulatory requirements for human rights due diligence. Thaler said demand for labour and human rights solutions is rising sharply amid stricter due diligence laws and international labour standards.
“Worker rights is an urgent ethical, financial and regulatory matter, and companies that fail to act will face real financial, reputational and legal consequences,” he added.
Built on Ulula’s experience in worker engagement and aligned with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, Worker Voice Connect helps companies identify and resolve risks before they escalate, improving compliance and worker well-being. The platform will be made available to 1,500 buyers in the EcoVadis network, representing a combined global spend of €2.3 trillion.
