Despite significant progress in poverty alleviation in past decades, income inequality remains an important challenge. Worldwide, there are 4.5 billion people living at the base of the pyramid (BOP), surviving on low incomes and lacking access to goods, services, and economic opportunities. Workers at the base of the pyramid are often engaged in the informal sector or in low-skill jobs with limited earning potential.
Companies and investors have a critical role in expanding access to better livelihoods for workers at the base of the pyramid. This can be achieved by adopting inclusive employment practices that enhance the participation, advancement, resilience, and empowerment of these workers.
The benefits to business are clear. They include improved private sector access to labor and human capital, sustainable and resilient supply chains, access to new markets and investors, and stronger brand image and risk management.
IFC, in partnership with the Government of Japan, developed Inclusive Employment: Advancing Economic Opportunities for the Base of the Pyramid. This report provides the business case for expanding employment at the base of the pyramid and highlights emerging good practices that companies and investors can adopt. It is based on evidence gathered from thought leader interviews and in-depth case studies of 13 companies.
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Related Case Studies
- Supporting Cooperatives: How ABIHPEC Strengthens Recycling, Supply Chains, and Livelihoods for Waste Pickers in Brazil
- Empowering Waste Pickers and Improving Working Conditions: How Danone Strengthens Recycling and Supports Base of the Pyramid Workers in Argentina
- Revolutionizing E-commerce: How Evermos is Creating Entrepreneurship Opportunities and Expanding Market Access through Social Commerce
- Creating Resilience in an Informal Sector: How Hogaru is Transforming Colombia’s Cleaning Industry
- Creating Inclusive Employment in Supply Chains through Factory-based Programs: Levi Strauss & Co.’s Worker Well-being Initiative
- MAS Holdings: Supporting the advancement of factory-floor associates in Sri Lanka
- Supporting Informal Waste Pickers: NEPRA Lowers Risks and Increases Efficiency through Inclusive Employment Practices
- Labor Supply and Diversity: How OXXO Strengthened its Workforce by Hiring Refugees and Migrants
- Strengthening Ties with Indigenous Communities: How Paradise Ingredients Builds Inclusive, Resilient, and Scalable Supply Chains
- Strengthening Recycling Value Chains: Petco’s Inclusive Employment Practices Support Environmental & Social Goals
- Supporting the Advancement and Resilience of Delivery Partners: How Shadowfax Uses Inclusive Employment Practices to Expand its Business
- Managing Labor Costs and Maximizing Productivity: How SolTuna Uses Inclusive Employment Practices to Support Underserved Workers
- Promoting Resilience in Rural Communities in Kenya: How the Village Nut Company Uses Inclusive Employment to Support its Growth and its Workers
