In today’s modern society, everything is bigger, better, faster, and stronger than before. New products roll off the assembly line so quickly, consumers hardly have time to learn the functions of their new phone before the next model is in stores. The reason for this rapid-fire product generation is, of course, to create profit. The problem is, often times the marketers and CEOs making these decisions, do not see the impact their latest and greatest product has on the workers below them.

As mentioned in The Economist’s article, “When the Job Inspector Calls”, product life-cycles are shortening, but last-minute design changes and new product launches mean suppliers have to amp up their working hours to avoid financial penalties. Timberland, a boot and clothing company, stated in a company report in 2007 that “some of our procedures were making it difficult for factories to control working hours”. When this happens, the public may begin to question a company’s fair treatment of their employees, and in turn, their ethics.

Photo Source: Safety Smart Compliance

In order to eliminate the possibly shaming criticism a company might face, it is essential that a strong communication system is established between all branches of the supply chain. Better yet, if employees took on more responsibilities, a greater understanding could be created between those who sit in the office, and those who stand behind machines.