In recent years, the most popular clothing brands have moved at great speed and low prices, a phenomenon known as fast fashion. Unfortunately, these brands have also brought with them an extremely negative environmental and social impact.
In addition to the high greenhouse gas emissions caused by the textile industry and the depletion of natural resources, producing clothing at record speed has been accompanied by countless instances of labor exploitation. Sweatshops emerged as a consequence of the high demand for fast fashion, where people work in inhumane conditions akin to slavery.
But not everything is discouraging. As these harmful practices are being exposed, the industry and its consumers have begun to raise awareness and support social sustainability with better working conditions for garment workers.
In 2022, the consultancy Deloitte conducted a study revealing that 37% of people started buying from brands with ethical practices and values. Moreover, medical uniform stores are beginning to embrace sustainable practices.
Let’s explore why all textile companies should adopt social sustainability processes such as decent working conditions, good benefits, and opportunities for growth and enrichment for their workers.
The Importance of Worker Well-Being
Various studies show that having workers who enjoy good benefits and feel motivated translates into higher labor productivity and employee satisfaction. Both medical uniform makers and those in other garment sectors have the right to decent work, and companies should advocate for making it possible by creating an ideal work environment.
This can be achieved in various ways within the textile industry, such as normalizing formal employment contracts in a sector that largely operates informally. Additionally, offering opportunities for career growth and providing learning or upskilling programs means fostering employees with a sense of belonging and the necessary skills to take on new roles.
Investing in employee well-being is an investment in a better society, impacting entire communities thanks to the positive socioeconomic influence brought by good working conditions for each person.
Increasing Profitability
Whether it's a medical clothing factory or another type of garment, improving labor conditions also helps make the business more productive and profitable. The International Labour Organization's Better Work program demonstrated this by encouraging the growth of garment workers in various textile factories worldwide. The initiative pushed many workers to become floor supervisors through leadership programs, allowing them to advance in their professional lives.
Furthermore, other vital initiatives were advanced, such as reducing the gender pay gap, limiting excessive work that tends to exploit employees, and preventing abusive practices. These improvements increased profitability by 25% and productivity by 22%.
A production model that contributes to better working conditions with reasonable work hours, less textile waste, and higher product quality is Just-in-Time (JIT). This model focuses on manufacturing to order rather than generating a surplus. Thus, garments are created with patience, attention to detail, and only in response to current demand.
Creating Positive Impact in the Local Community
Focusing on supporting vulnerable populations is also part of social sustainability. There are many stories of garment workers who could never legalize their work or diversify their industry knowledge. However, a textile company that invests in the development of its workers can make a positive difference in the community.
At Colorchain, for example, we focus on employing single mothers, who make up 80% of the company, both in manufacturing our medical uniforms and in administrative positions. Additionally, we employ seniors and young recent graduates to strengthen their skills and enrich their work experience.
We have support programs to promote their growth in the industry and offer opportunities for advancement within the company.
Textile companies worldwide can adopt these initiatives through local organizations that promote social change, such as collectives, non-profit foundations, and state organizations. These collaborations facilitate communication with the community to expose them to new opportunities and thus begin to positively impact society.
To learn more about Colorchain's sustainable processes and how we manufacture high-quality and stylish medical clothing, visit our website here.
