Perspectives on Worker Well-Being: Insights from a Textile Factory in Tamil Nadu

Ritvick Mohan Shankar

doi:10.47814/ijssrr.v8i10.2909

Ritvick Mohan Shankar Smart Modern School, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.47814/ijssrr.v8i10.2909

Keywords: Worker well-being; Textile industry; Employee satisfaction; Workplace culture; Incentives; Grievance redressal; Occupational health; Women workers; Tamil Nadu; India

Abstract

This research assesses the well-being of workers within a Textile factory in Tamil Nadu and includes interviews with 25 women workers and 5 executives. Well-being is subsequently characterized in terms of financial security, physical security, social security and emotional security. The research yielded three key themes: incentives to workers like a bonus, a provident fund, and health insurance can help to secure the workers' "stability" on the job; grievance procedures that are accessible to workers that they perceive to be responsive; and a culture where employees are encouraged to participate in exercise, have discounted meals, and have on-site child care. In general the workers indicated they are satisfied with their work, although there are areas of concern such as the cost of transportation, the heat, and shortages of labour. It is the position of management that well-being is an obligation, and well-being is a driver of productivity. In this article, we have called well-being "normal" for a workplace but recommend that corporations establish well-being as a strategy into a corporate strategy; embed well-being into a normal diversity program, create support from managers for well-being programs, and expand programmes for the health of the workforce and child care". In this report we have illustrated how local practices build on global conversations about dignity at work and sustainable working.

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