Worker’s Health and Productivity

Abstract

Turnover and absenteeism are common in the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) factories of Bangladesh, causing reduced productivity. Illness is the main cause. This is a study of projects in this industry which raise women workers’ health awareness. The objective of this study was to find out whether such projects: (1) increase the productivity of garment workers and (2) have a positive return on investment. In fact, productivity increased through reduced absenteeism, improved quality of work, reduced “throwbacks” to re-sew garments, reduced requests for early lunch out or leave, and ultimately, reduced turnover. With minimal initial investment, such projects have a significant Return on Investment (ROI).