Workforce Health Across the Value Chain 2025

Executive summary This report explores the critical link between worker health and supply-chain resilience. As companies navigate public health gaps, the rising pressures of climate volatility and global instability, investing in the health of workers throughout value chains meets both a public health and economic imperative. The report explores collective action and invites organizations to expand health access and investments beyond their direct workforce, charting a course from adaptation to resilience. In nearly 60 interviews, leaders highlighted how worker health directly affects productivity, operational stability and long-term economic growth. Interviewees represented a globally diverse cohort spanning all major regions, including C-suite executives, founders, policy-makers, academic researchers, risk and supply-chain specialists, labour leaders and civil society advocates. Insights from these discussions underscore four key findings: 1. The business case is clear – but often stops at the enterprise Investment in worker health yields measurable returns: improved productivity, reduced absenteeism and stronger retention. Yet protections rarely extend beyond direct employees. Leaders frequently described worker health and resilience, particularly in the context of climate exposure, as a “blind spot” in procurement and risk planning. 2. Climate acts as a force multiplier, deepening health risks and exposing structural gaps Participants emphasized that rising temperatures, water scarcity and vector-borne disease are already degrading worker health and productivity. These risks are most acute in geographies where health systems and labour protections are weakest. Organizations with localized visibility and tailored responses will be better positioned to adapt.3. Governance is both a foundation and a friction point Regulation was broadly seen as necessary for setting accountability baselines. Yet fragmented standards, limited enforcement and internal misalignment continue to stall progress. Participants emphasized the need for clearer alignment across jurisdictions and coordination across procurement, sustainability and operational teams. 4. Momentum is building – but must move from pilots to scale Companies are already developing innovative approaches: from community-based health partnerships to parametric insurance and shared supplier standards for workforce health and safety.3 However, it is difficult to achieve scale with isolated efforts. Multistakeholder coordination, pooled capital and scalable delivery models that are rooted in community-led delivery and social innovation are needed to shift from fragmented initiatives to systemic resilience. These findings reinforce a central message: as workers are increasingly exposed to health risks, organizations must move beyond reactive compliance and embed health into core operational strategy. This report highlights the perspectives of leaders who are confronting these converging risks and advancing new solutions. Their insights illuminate practical pathways to transform risk into resilience, through co-creation, sustained investment and adaptive workforce strategies.Resilient supply chains require healthy workers. Leaders reveal key barriers – and how companies are closing the gaps. Workforce Health Across the Value Chain: Organizational Insights to Mitigate Risk and Create Sustainable Growth 4