International Labour Organization (ILO) Standards

ILO Standards are global guidelines fostering fair, safe, and decent work conditions.

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What is it?

A set of international labor standards was developed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) with the aim of promoting fair and decent working conditions globally. These standards serve as the benchmark for developing labor policies and practices that prioritize and uphold workers' rights, dignity, and welfare.

Who is it for?

The International Labour Organization (ILO) develops and promotes international labor standards with the aim of bettering working conditions and safeguarding workers' rights on a global scale. The primary intents of the ILO's standards are for:

Governments

To guide the crafting of labor laws and policies that fall in line with international norms.

Employers

To present frameworks for ethical practices, ensuring employees are treated fairly and enjoy acceptable working conditions.

Workers and Trade Unions

To safeguard workers' rights and ensure they have a say in employment matters, therefore contributing to the establishment of a fair and equitable workplace.

International Organizations

To support programs and policies aimed at respecting labor rights and bettering conditions of employment.

Civil Society and Advocacy Groups

To champion labor rights and influence changes in policy that benefit workers.

In summary, the ILO's standards strive to promote decent work for all. This includes tackling issues like labor rights, ensuring social justice, and advocating for fair treatment within the workplace.

When was it introduced?

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is dedicated to establishing and promoting fair and humane working conditions worldwide. Since its establishment in 1919, this organization has introduced a range of international labour standards, including conventions and recommendations that are constantly revised and updated to address emerging global work-related issues.

Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work

These principles represent the core standards of the ILO, embodied in conventions such as the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention (No. 87) and the Forced Labour Convention (No. 29). Adopted in 1948 and 1930 respectively, these conventions have gone through various revisions over the years to ensure they stay relevant and effective in promoting workers' rights.

Decent Work Agenda

Formalized in 1999, the Decent Work Agenda is another vital initiative launched by the ILO. Integrating various labour standards, this agenda aims to improve working conditions across the globe by promoting jobs, guaranteeing rights at work, extending social protection, and promoting social dialogue.

Recent Developments

The ILO continues to adapt to the changing dynamics of the global workforce. It has adopted new conventions and recommendations addressing contemporary issues such as globalization, technological advancement, and climate change impacts on working conditions.

To get in-depth information on specific ILO conventions, including their implementation dates and past revisions, it's best to refer to the ILO's official records or databases, which provide a comprehensive historical overview for each standard.

If you are interested in a specific ILO convention or standard, please let us know so we can provide more detailed information.

Why is it important?

The International Labour Organization (ILO) establishes a range of standards that are vital for promoting fair and equitable labor practices worldwide. These standards have a significant impact on numerous facets of labor rights and conditions. Below are reasons why ILO standards are essential.

Promoting Fundamental Rights

ILO standards focus on fundamental labor rights, such as freedom of association, the right to organize, and the elimination of child labor and forced labor. By promoting these rights, the ILO helps to protect workers globally.

Setting International Norms

ILO standards provide a framework for countries to develop and improve their labor laws, contributing to more consistent practices across nations. This helps to level the playing field in international trade and labor markets.

Enhancing Working Conditions

Many ILO conventions address issues such as health and safety, working hours, and wages, which directly impact the quality of life for workers. Implementing these standards leads to safer and fairer workplaces.

Fostering Social Justice

ILO standards aim to promote social justice and improve labor relations. By advocating for decent work for all, the ILO helps to reduce inequality and promote social stability.

Guiding Economic Development

By ensuring that labor rights are respected and upheld, the ILO contributes to sustainable economic development. Fair labor practices can lead to increased productivity, improved employee morale, and reduced turnover.

Encouraging Compliance and Accountability

The ILO encourages countries to report on their adherence to standards, holding governments accountable for their labor practices and promoting transparency.

If you have a specific ILO standard or concept in mind that you'd like to discuss, please let me know!

What do organisations need to do?

To effectively comply with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards, organizations can follow these key steps:

  1. Understand the Standards: Familiarize yourself with the specific ILO conventions and recommendations relevant to your industry. This might include topics like forced labor, child labor, discrimination, and occupational safety and health.
  2. Conduct a Gap Analysis: Assess your current practices against the ILO standards. Identify areas where your organization may not be compliant and develop a plan to address these gaps.
  3. Develop Policies and Procedures: Create or revise workplace policies that align with ILO standards. Ensure these policies cover issues like minimum wage, working hours, health and safety, and non-discrimination.
  4. Training and Capacity Building: Provide training for management and employees on ILO standards and labor rights. This ensures that everyone understands their responsibilities and the rights of workers.
  5. Implement Monitoring Mechanisms: Establish systems to monitor compliance with ILO standards. This could involve regular audits, employee feedback mechanisms, and performance evaluations.
  6. Engage with Workers: Involve employees in discussions about labor practices and encourage them to report violations. Establishing a dialogue with workers can improve compliance and workplace morale.
  7. Report and Communicate: Be transparent about your labor practices and compliance efforts. Regularly report on progress and challenges related to meeting ILO standards to stakeholders.
  8. Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update policies and practices to ensure they remain in line with the evolving ILO standards and the changing needs of the workforce.
  9. Seek External Guidance: Collaborate with labor organizations, NGOs, or consultants who specialize in compliance with labor standards for additional support and expertise.
  10. Participate in Partnerships: Engage with other businesses and organizations to share best practices and insights related to labor standards compliance.

By taking these steps, organizations can create a work environment that not only complies with ILO standards but also promotes fair labor practices and improves overall employee welfare.

What are the benefits?

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has developed a set of standards that aim to promote social justice and fair labor practices globally. Here are some key benefits of ILO standards:

  • Enhanced Worker Rights: ILO standards help establish and protect fundamental workers' rights, including freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining, and the elimination of forced and child labor.
  • Improved Working Conditions: The standards promote safe and healthy working environments, which can lead to reduced workplace accidents and better overall health for workers.
  • Economic Benefits: By ensuring fair wages and employment practices, ILO standards can enhance productivity and result in economic growth. Organizations that adhere to these standards often see improved employee morale and retention.
  • Social Inclusion: ILO standards support equal opportunity and non-discrimination in the workplace, promoting social inclusion and equity among different groups, including women, minorities, and marginalized communities.
  • Global Consistency: These standards provide a benchmark for labor practices internationally, helping countries align their labor laws and regulations with global norms, thus fostering international cooperation.
  • Dispute Resolution: ILO standards establish mechanisms for dispute resolution, which can help address grievances in the workplace and reduce industrial conflicts.
  • Access to International Markets: Companies that comply with ILO standards can enhance their reputation and open up access to markets that prioritize ethical labor practices.
  • Capacity Building: The ILO provides technical assistance and training to help countries implement these standards effectively, contributing to capacity building in labor administration.
  • Research and Policy Guidance: The ILO conducts research and provides policy guidance based on evidence and best practices, helping governments and employers make informed decisions.
  • Support for Sustainable Development: By promoting decent work, ILO standards contribute to the broader goals of sustainable development, including poverty reduction and social justice.

These benefits underscore the importance of ILO standards in fostering a fair and equitable labor market globally.

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Our results

Using independent sustainability consultants with Leafr just makes sense

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More cost effective

Clients report significant savings compared to alternative hiring approaches

Lower Risks
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Here’s what our customers say

Hear how our vetted sustainability consultants have driven meaningful change for our clients

Good communication, flexible schedule and delivered exactly what was agreed and on time. Would work with her again!

Alexander Pfeiffer
CEO
at
Terralytiq

Tom helped us with calculating our carbon footprint outputs from 2019 to 2023. He managed everything end to end with minimal client direction. It was seamless and effortless. He's an excellent professional.

Bolu
COO
at
Miai

The support's been great from when we first started speaking, you wrote the brief for me and did all the sourcing. So that was fantastic. Communication has been great. The level of engagement has been brilliant.

Nick Anderdon
CFO
at
Freddies Flowers

‍Working with Leafr has been a pleasure from the beginning. Leafr has a wide network of talented individuals, and they have been able to seamlessly connect us with strong candidates for our various projects.

Lara
Partner
at
Xynteo

Leafr's marketplace boasts an extensive network of highly talented individuals. They have effortlessly connected us with great candidates. Leafr has become our go-to for skilled sustainability professionals.

Brenan Hodkinson
CRO
at
Apiday

Whenever you hire consultants you worry whether they'll be as motivated or skilled as your team. Every Leafr consultant has been so impressive. We spoke to several sustainability agencies and this has been far better value.

Guadalupe Oliver
CEO
at
Candoe

Our expert immediately became a seamless addition to our team. Her work showed a mastery of ESG and a strong understanding of the financial sector. We'd love the opportunity to work with her again.

Jess Katz
Director
at
TRIPTIK

What you get by working with us

When you work with Leafr, we make sure to deliver - every time.

Flexibility

Flexibility

We adapt to your needs, offering tailored solutions that evolve as your sustainability goals and challenges change.

Quality

Quality

We don’t compromise. We connect you with specialists who deliver exceptional work, ensuring every project meets the highest standards.

Value

Value

We maximise impact while keeping costs low, ensuring you get exceptional results within your budget, with a clear focus on return on investment.

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Commitment

Your mission becomes ours. We’re dedicated to supporting you from start to finish, no matter the complexity or duration.

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Ownership

We take responsibility for our work, proactively managing projects and driving outcomes that align with your vision.

The values that drive everything we do

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Flexibility

Flexibility

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Quality

Quality

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Value

Value

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Commitment - Workplace X Webflow Template

Commitment

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Ownership - Workplace X Webflow Template

Ownership

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Our consultants have delivered for the best across industries

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Construction & Real Estate
Place for People
Construction & Real Estate
Foster and Partners
Construction & Real Estate
Battersea Powerstation
Banking and Investment
Clarien
Banking and Investment
Tokoro Capital
Construction & Real Estate
Broll
Construction & Real Estate
Hilti Group
Banking and Investment
M&G
Banking and Investment
IP Group
Banking and Investment
UBS
Banking and Investment
Morgan Stanley
Banking and Investment
Apex
Banking and Investment
JP Morgan
Banking and Investment
Planet A Ventures
Banking and Investment
Natwest
Banking and Investment
Triodos Bank
Banking and Investment
Sustainable Ventures
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Our vetting process

Each applicant must pass our stringent vetting process before working with clients. Only those meeting our high standards are accepted. We test for behavioural competency, technical skills,  sustainability experience, and culture fit.

20% pass rate

In-depth skill review

Each consultant submits a written application along with case studies of their work. This ensures they have the specialised technical skills to tackle your sustainability challenges.

12% pass rate

Live screening

We interview each candidate for behavioural and technical skills, and test against our detailed  sustainability skillset matrix. We also ask for references and testimonials.

3% pass rate

Test projects & peer review

With the help of our experts, we review past projects to verify the consultant’s ability to deliver impactful sustainability outcomes.

Need help with your sustainability initiatives?

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How it works

Go from search to hire in as little as 48 hrs.

Project

1. Create project

Post your job description or work with us to write one on your behalf

Talent

2. See the best profiles

No more sifting through 100s of CVs. See a shortlist of the best 3-5 consultants within hours.

Interview

3. Interview & start project

Hire your favourite candidate and start working. There is a risk-free trial period on each project.

Frequently asked questions

Hiring a sustainability consultant can be a daunting process. Here we answer some of the common concerns we hear.

Will the consultant be available when I need them?

Leafr consultants are committed to your project�s success. We ensure they have the availability you need, and our support team is on hand to address any urgent requirements. Our consultants are trusted by top organisations because of their reliability and commitment.

How will you handle our sensitive or confidential information?

Confidentiality is a top priority at Leafr. All consultants sign strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and are trained to handle sensitive information with the utmost care, ensuring your business data remains secure. This is part of why organisations worldwide trust our consultants.

What if the consultant pushes solutions that are too expensive to implement?

Leafr consultants focus on providing cost-effective, practical solutions. They work within your budget constraints and prioritise recommendations that offer the most value without unnecessary expenditure. We offer a risk-free period so you can evaluate their proposals without financial risk.

Will working with a consultant disrupt our current operations?

Our consultants are skilled at integrating smoothly into existing operations. They work with minimal disruption, focusing on enhancing your processes rather than interrupting them. Their experience with top organisations ensures a seamless fit into your team.

I'm worried the consultant might leave the project halfway through.

Continuity is ensured through our rigorous project management oversight. Leafr consultants are committed professionals, and we have contingency plans in place to guarantee that your project will be completed even if unforeseen circumstances arise. Our 100% project satisfaction rating is a testament to our reliability.

I'm worried about committing long-term just to see results.

Leafr offers flexible engagement options. Whether you need short-term assistance or long-term support, we tailor our services to match your desired commitment level. Our risk-free period allows you to explore these options without long-term obligations.

What happens if the consultant becomes unavailable or the project gets delayed?

We have a robust network of consultants, so if any unexpected issues arise, we can quickly provide an equally qualified replacement to keep your project on track. Leafr�s support team is always available to manage and mitigate any potential delays. We also offer a risk-free period to give you peace of mind.

Is the cost-benefit ratio of hiring a consultant really worth it?

Leafr consultants are chosen for their ability to deliver clear ROI. We ensure that the value they bring far outweighs the investment, with tailored solutions that directly impact your bottom line. Plus, our risk-free period allows you to assess the value without commitment.

Will the consultant communicate effectively with our team?

Effective communication is a cornerstone of our consultants� approach. We ensure clear, consistent communication throughout the project, fostering collaboration and alignment with your team. This commitment to communication is a key factor in our 100% project satisfaction rating.

Will my team need retraining after the consultant leaves?

Our consultants focus on knowledge transfer, equipping your team with the skills and understanding they need to sustain progress after the project concludes. This ensures that the improvements are lasting and your team remains confident moving forward.

Will the consultant stay updated with the latest sustainability trends and regulations?

Leafr consultants are experts in their fields, continuously updating their knowledge of the latest trends and regulations. We ensure they bring the most current insights to your project, supported by ongoing training and development opportunities.

I'm concerned about how to assess the consultant's performance effectively.

Leafr provides clear metrics and regular updates, allowing you to track the consultant�s progress and assess the impact of their work. We also encourage feedback to ensure expectations are met. Our 100% project satisfaction rating reflects our dedication to transparency and performance.

How soon will we see results from the consultant's work?

While sustainability initiatives often have long-term goals, our consultants focus on delivering quick wins and measurable progress early in the engagement, ensuring you see value from the outset. Our risk-free period allows you to experience these early results firsthand.

I'm worried the consultant might not fully commit if they have multiple clients.

Our consultants are dedicated to delivering results. Leafr carefully manages consultant workloads to ensure your project receives the attention and commitment it deserves. Our 100% project satisfaction rating is a testament to our consultants� focus and dedication.

What if the consultant doesn't understand my specific industry or business model?

At Leafr, we thoroughly vet our consultants to ensure they have deep expertise in various industries. We match you with specialists who have proven experience in your sector, ensuring they understand your unique challenges and goals. Our consultants have been trained and trusted by the best organisations worldwide.

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