SA8000 (Social Accountability) Standard is a global leading social certification program that was created in 1989 by Social Accountability International with an advisory board containing trade unions, NGOs, civil society organizations and companies.

The standard encourages organizations irrespective of their size, industry and country to develop, maintain and apply socially responsible and acceptable practices in their workplace. The program provides a comprehensive framework for organizations to demonstrate their practices and dedication to fair treatment and management practices with respect to their employees/workers. In order to make it relevant and useful, the standard’s criteria were developed from various industry and corporate codes. SA8000 follows a management system-inspired approach to measure social performance and continual improvement as opposed to the checklist-style auditing of many other international standards.

Benefits for organization:

• Proves the organizations commitment to social accountability
• Enhances trust by the fair treatment of your employees
• Improves the management and performance of supply chain and management
• Increases recognition through compliance with global standards
• Reduces the risk of negligence, public exposure and possible litigation
• Supports corporate vision in building the trust and loyalty of the employees, customers and stakeholders
• Demonstrates social accountability

Benefits for Employees/Workers:

• Improved relationships with workers, customers, and external stakeholders
• Enhanced management systems that improve workflows throughout the organization leading to achieve Improved quality and productivity – Better Hazard and risk detection, increased supply chain control, higher employee retention.
• Enhanced reputation, appeal to global buyers, and preferential status in government tenders
• Safe workplaces and healthy working conditions
• Fair compensation
• Increased awareness of rights and opportunities to organize
• Better relationships with management and more input in workplace decision-making