Workplace Democracy for the 21st Century

This paper can help you understand the importance of workplace democracy, or employee voice, and how it can enable a more engaged and participatory workplace - that is, how much employees have a say over their working conditions (such as pay, benefits, scheduling) and the wider set of policies that govern work and employment. The first section of the report introduces the topic and its historic linkages; the second section makes the case for advancing workplace democracy, such as greater equality, political participation, and productivity; and the third section outlines how workplace democracy can be revived through traditional mechanisms, such as unions, as well as alternative models and approaches suited to workers in non-standard employment relationships. These insights will provide a fresh perspective on employee voice, which will be most useful to HR, sustainability, and leadership teams.