In recent years, many businesses in the capital have continuously improved workers’ living standards and working conditions, creating incentives for them to feel secure in their jobs and dedicate themselves to their work. These efforts have been recognised through the “Business for Workers” programme, organised by the municipal Labour Federation since 2021.
Caring for workers in the smallest details
Amid increasingly fierce competition, a business’s brand is measured not only by its products, revenue or market share, but also by the way it treats its workers – the people who directly create value.
To be recognised by trade unions and workers as a “Business for workers”, an enterprise must meet criteria such as fully implementing statutory benefits and policies; ensuring stable employment and improving incomes; paying attention to occupational safety, health and mental well-being; listening to workers’ opinions and creating conditions for them to develop their capabilities and creativity. In addition, businesses must attach importance to workplace dialogue and seriously honour their commitments under collective labour agreements.
At the Export Mechanical Tools Joint Stock Company, the “Good Labour” emulation movement has become a tradition. Alongside various forms of reward, such as bonuses for initiatives, revenue-based bonuses and monthly and annual performance assessments, the support of the company's management and trade union organisation has become a source of encouragement, helping workers overcome difficulties and develop initiatives.
As a result, the company's production and business performance has consistently improved year after year. Throughout the 25 years since its equitisation, the company has never been even one day late in paying workers’ wages.
Nguyen Ngoc Chung, Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of the company, shared: “We have always placed people at the centre of our operations, supporting and encouraging workers to come up with initiatives and ensuring that they receive timely recognition and rewards. We also care for their living standards, from providing shift meals to ensuring adequate employment so that they can enjoy stable incomes.”
At Hanwha Aero Engines Co., Ltd., production and business efficiency always go hand in hand with responsibility for workers’ well-being and the protection of their rights and interests. The company currently employs more than 700 workers, with an average monthly income of nearly 17 million VND per person.
All workers have signed employment contracts and are fully covered by the required insurance schemes. A number of welfare policies that go beyond statutory requirements have also been introduced, including Saturdays off, life insurance, shuttle buses, improved shift meals, and productivity bonuses as well as bonuses for public holidays and the Lunar New Year.
In addition to ensuring employment and income, the company encourages workers to develop initiatives and make technical improvements. More than 2,000 initiatives are recognised each year, generating benefits worth tens of billions of dong and contributing to improved production efficiency.
Investing in sustainable development
A professional and modern working environment must also be humane if it is to retain workers and encourage their long-term commitment. At the October 10 Textile Joint Stock Company, caring for workers has been identified as an integral part of its sustainable development strategy.
Workers currently earn an average monthly income of 15.2 million VND per person, alongside bonus and welfare policies. Notably, workers are encouraged to participate in dialogue and contribute ideas to help the company resolve difficulties, maintain employment and stabilise production.
Do Dang Thuong, from Weaving Warping Workshop No. 2, has had two initiatives recognised by the company and put into practice in production for two consecutive years. The initiatives he researched and developed have helped workers carry out warping operations more quickly and with less physical effort, while ensuring absolute occupational safety. He shared that when workers are empowered and inspired by an environment that respects creativity, they have opportunities to fully develop their capabilities.
Alongside caring for workers’ living standards, the October 10 Textile Company has gradually modernised its technology, used renewable materials and controlled environmental impacts, moving towards green production to meet increasingly stringent requirements in domestic and international markets.
Duong Thuy Nga, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors and General Director of the company, affirmed: “In the time ahead, we will continue to pay even greater attention to ensuring that workers feel they are working in a safe environment where they are respected and their contributions are recognised.”
Through practical welfare policies and efforts to encourage workers to develop initiatives, improve productivity and enhance work efficiency, businesses are demonstrating that their responsibility lies not only in ensuring workers’ rights and benefits but also in working alongside the capital towards its double-digit growth target. This is a two-way relationship, with equal responsibilities and a shared goal: business development, worker advancement, stable labour relations and sustainable social development.
Nguyen Van Thang, Chairman of the municipal Labour Federation, observed: “Practical models show that caring for workers is an investment in the strength and sustainable development of businesses. Throughout this journey, trade union organisations always stand alongside workers, representing and protecting their lawful and legitimate rights and interests, while coordinating with businesses to build harmonious, stable and progressive labour relations. As a result, workers feel more secure in dedicating themselves to their work and moving forward alongside their businesses; trade union organisations spread positive values, contributing to building a civilised, modern, happy and sustainably developed capital.”
