Decent Work
Technical Areas
Decent Work
Decent work is defined by Sustainable Development Goal 8 as “sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all” It is fundamental to poverty reduction, social inclusion, and human dignity. Despite global progress, many workers still face unsafe conditions, unpaid labor, and exploitative practices. At Bodmando, we partner with organizations and governments to embed decent work principles across policies, programs, and markets, ensuring that economic growth translates into real improvements in people’s lives.
Technical Areas
Global and Regional Context of Decent Work
Globally, informal employment accounts for over 60% of all workers, leaving billions without access to social protection, fair wages, or safe working conditions. Workers in the gig economy face precarious contracts and limited rights, even as digital platforms expand job opportunities.
Sub-Saharan Africa: Informal work comprises more than 85% of employment, with women and youth disproportionately represented. Weak labor inspection systems and limited social safety nets leave many vulnerable to exploitation.
South Asia: Rapid growth in manufacturing and services has increased formal employment, yet millions remain in low-paid, insecure jobsespecially in garment factories and construction. Child labor and bonded labor persist in several countries.
Europe: While formal employment and worker protections are strong in Western Europe, the rise of zero-hour contracts and platform work challenges traditional social contracts. Eastern European countries struggle with wage stagnation and outmigration of skilled workers.
Middle East & North Africa (MENA): Oil-based economies offer relatively high wages to nationals but rely heavily on migrant labor under restrictive sponsorship systems, leading to widespread rights abuses and barriers to mobility.
Technical Areas
Challenges & Opportunities
Decent work faces multiple barriers: informal economies lack regulation and social protection; weak enforcement allows unsafe and discriminatory practices; and rapid technological change threatens to displace low-skilled workers. However, digital platforms, green economies, and evolving corporate accountability standards offer new avenues to expand quality jobs. Global frameworks like the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda and increasing public-private partnerships can drive improvements in labor rights, equity, and productivity.
Technical Areas
Recommendations
- Strengthen Labor Laws & Enforcement: Enhance inspection systems and legal frameworks to protect all workers, including informal and platform-based.
- Expand Social Protection: Cover informal, self-employed, and gig workers under universal social safety nets.
- Promote Skills Development: Invest in lifelong learning, vocational training, and digital literacy to equip workers for evolving labor markets.
- Advance Gender Equality: Eliminate pay gaps, support women’s entrepreneurship, and enforce anti-harassment policies.
- Foster Green & Digital Jobs: Link decent work strategies with climate action and digital transformation to create resilient, future-proof employment.
Technical Areas
Sustainable Development Goals and Decent Work
Decent work underpins SDG 8, which targets full and productive employment (Target 8.5), protection of labor rights and safe work environments (Target 8.8), and eradication of forced labor and modern slavery (Target 8.7). Progress also contributes to SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Bodmando’s work in policy design, program evaluation, and capacity strengthening fosters labor systems that are equitable, productive, and sustainable.
International Labour Organization
Decent work is more than a job, it is the cornerstone of social justice, economic inclusion and human dignity.
Technical Areas
Key Focus Areas in Decent Work:
- Inclusive Employment: Advocating for equal opportunities and fair treatment in the workplace.
- Productive Employment: Creating jobs that provide fair wages and contribute to economic stability.
- Economic Growth: Linking decent work initiatives to broader sustainable development objectives.
- Worker Rights: Promoting safe working environments and protecting labor rights.
Technical Areas
Bodmando’s Contributions to Decent Work:
Bodmando supports the realization of Decent Work by:
- Advises on the design and evaluation of labor policies and employment programs to embed decent work standards.
- Conducts participatory program and impact evaluations to identify gaps in inclusivity, wages, and workplace safety.
- Develops and delivers capacity-strengthening workshops for government agencies, employers’ associations, and worker representatives on rights-based labor practices.
Through its work, Bodmando ensures that decent work principles are embedded in programmes and policies, contributing to sustainable economic growth and improved livelihoods.
Technical Areas
References
- International Labour Organization. (2023). World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2023. https://www.ilo.org
- United Nations. (2023). Sustainable Development Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal8
- World Bank. (2024). Informality: Causes and Consequences for Decent Work. https://www.worldbank.org
- OECD. (2022). The Future of Work: Employment Outlook 2022. https://www.oecd.org
- ILO. (2022). Decent Work and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/sdg-2030
