EcoVadis has introduced a new survey tool aimed at capturing real-time worker feedback across global supply chains, as part of its broader efforts to enhance labour rights monitoring and compliance with emerging regulatory standards.
Developed in collaboration with technology firm Ulula, the EcoVadis Worker Voice survey is designed to provide on-the-ground insights into labour and human rights conditions, particularly amid ongoing global trade instability and supply chain disruptions. The tool offers an alternative to traditional social audits, which have been criticised for their cost, infrequency, and inability to reflect the lived experiences of workers.
Accessible via mobile, SMS, or in-person surveys, the platform accommodates workers across various languages and literacy levels. All responses are anonymised, allowing individuals to report issues such as forced overtime or unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation. The data is processed in real time to flag potential risks, enabling companies to respond quickly to labour-related concerns.
The tool aligns worker feedback with international standards and due diligence requirements, including legislation targeting modern slavery. It is intended to assist companies in verifying compliance and improving supply chain transparency.
Pierre-François Thaler, co-founder and co-CEO of EcoVadis, said: “Policy without visibility falls short of where it matters most – on the ground with workers. This tool provides the data and insight organisations need to move beyond compliance and deliver meaningful outcomes across their value chains.”
Workers can access the survey through QR codes or publicised telephone numbers in their preferred language, with responses open for up to 10 days. Organisations receive real-time access to survey results and can identify themselves as “worker verified” on the EcoVadis platform.
The survey has already been used to identify and address issues such as forced overtime and workplace harassment, with feedback used to inform management decisions and improve grievance mechanisms.
Antoine Heuty, founder and CEO of Ulula, said the partnership combines Ulula’s expertise in worker-focused data collection with EcoVadis’ global reach in sustainable supply chains: “We’re helping surface risks that would otherwise remain hidden, making it easier for companies to take action.”
