WRI Research: Only 12% of Companies Set Support Goals for Workers in Supply Chains
The World Resources Institute (WRI) released new research analyzing over 1,000 supply chain goals from nearly 700 of the world's largest companies, finding that only 12% of companies have at least one goal focused on 'people,' and 3% commit to improving working conditions or investing in worker skills. The research warns that ignoring the needs of billions of workers in supply chains will jeopardize the achievement of corporate sustainability goals, supply chain stability, and reputation.
Washington — A new study by the World Resources Institute (WRI) reveals that a major blind spot in corporate sustainability strategies is putting workers and supply chains at risk. The study analyzed more than 1,000 goals set by nearly 700 of the world's largest companies and found that while many have set climate- and nature-related goals for their supply chains, only 12% have at least one goal focused on "people," and only 3% have committed to improving working conditions or investing in worker skills.
Key finding: The missing "people" in supply chains
WRI's report, titled "Elephant in the Boardroom: People Are Missing in Corporate Supply Chain Goals," was released on August 26, 2025. The report notes that most large companies, when developing sustainable supply chain strategies, overlook the needs of the workers who are critical to supply chain transformation.
"If you're building a supply chain for the future, you can't just cut emissions—you also have to consider the billions of workers doing the actual work," said Eliot Metzger, Director of Sustainable Business and Innovation at WRI. "Currently, most large companies ignore the needs of the people who are essential to their supply chain transformation. This not only undermines their sustainability goals but also jeopardizes supply chain stability and corporate reputation."
People-centered supply chain goals: From safety to skills
People-centered supply chain goals can cover multiple aspects, such as improving workplace safety through training and proper equipment, providing upskilling programs that open career pathways, and ensuring fair wages and predictable scheduling. These actions can directly improve worker well-being while enhancing supply chain resilience.
SME suppliers face a "one-way mandate" dilemma
The study also found that about 90% of large companies' supply chain goals require smaller suppliers to comply with sustainability requirements, without considering how these suppliers can advance sustainability efforts while producing high-quality products at the lowest cost. WRI argues that instead of treating sustainability as a one-way mandate, a partnership approach emphasizing shared value should be adopted. This means large companies should communicate with suppliers to understand their specific challenges—such as financing equipment upgrades, or training and retaining skilled workers—and then design goals that provide the necessary support for suppliers' transition to more sustainable operations.
Ignoring labor impacts could derail sustainability goals
WRI's research clearly indicates that whether large companies consider the impact on labor can determine the success or failure of their sustainability goals. For many companies, 80% to 90% of environmental impacts are associated with suppliers' extraction and production processes. Unless large companies recognize and address the needs of their suppliers and workers, they will struggle to achieve the transformation needed for cleaner, more resilient supply chains.
About the World Resources Institute (WRI)
The World Resources Institute is committed to improving people's lives, protecting and restoring nature, and stabilizing the climate. As an independent research organization, WRI uses its data, expertise, and global influence to inform policy and drive change in systems such as food, land and water, energy, and cities. WRI has more than 2,000 employees, works on the ground in a dozen focus countries, and collaborates with partners in more than 50 countries.
