Introducing the WEST Principles
The Worker Engagement Supported by Technology (WEST) Principles are a set of guidelines developed to maximize the impact of technology-driven efforts to engage workers in global supply chains. They give guidance on how to design and implement technological solutions that identify and address worker abuse and exploitation. Technology-driven approaches can enable stakeholders at all levels of global supply chains to take action against human rights abuses and improve worker well-being—the opportunity lies in how these solutions are designed and implemented.
There are eight WEST Principles and their implementation occurs in four phases:
Design
Engage
Analyze
Utilize
1
Start with Integrity & Purpose
2
Use Worker-Centric & Inclusive Design
3
Build Trust with Workers
4
Facilitate Uptake & Ownership
5
Manage Security & Risk
6
Analyze Engagement & Impact
7
Inform Decisions & System Changes
8
Collaborate & Share Learnings
Resource Hub
White Paper
Learn about important principles of technology and use in our paper Realizing the Benefits of Digital Tools in Worker Engagement Efforts.
Operations Checklist
Use our planning checklist designed for users of worker-oriented technology to explore the opportunities and the risks of capturing worker feedback and data.
Terms of Engagement
WEST has released a term of engagement for how its Community works together and to govern its Steering Committee.
An Agreed-Upon Approach
By establishing an agreed upon approach, the WEST Principles aim to maximize the impact of technology-driven efforts to engage workers in global supply chains and ensure they can work with dignity and free from abuse. Initiated by a group of technology providers, the Principles seek to engage stakeholders at all levels of global supply chains—including workers, worker organizations, the private sector, and governments—to collectively develop a roadmap to operationalize their use.