SDG 8 Combines Sustainable Growth and Fair Work

What is the situation regarding decent work and economic growth worldwide? Expert René Schmidpeter outlines the current status of SDG 8, highlights the challenges in Germany and the EU, and presents practical approaches that companies can take to actively address these issues.

What is the current status of SDG 8 worldwide and in the DACH region?

The situation is mixed. Globally, labor markets have recovered after the pandemic, but at the same time social inequalities are increasing. Informal employment is particularly precarious in many developing countries, but precarious forms of employment such as temporary work and wage dumping also exist in industrialized countries. In Germany and the EU, we are still in a good position globally: high employment rates, low unemployment by international standards – even if the current recession continues to cause us concern and is placing increasing strain on the labor market.

Which sub-goals of SDG 8 are particularly critical?

Several points stand out: productivity and innovation are growing only slowly, especially in Germany and the EU. Full employment and fair pay vary from region to region, and youth unemployment remains an issue in Europe. Forced and child labor remain particularly problematic internationally. This shows that legal regulations alone are not enough; we need effective controls and genuine participation by companies, as well as changes in consumer purchasing behavior.

What role do legal frameworks such as the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act or the EU ban on forced labor play?

They provide important initial leverage: transparency and due diligence obligations increase the pressure on companies to identify risks in their supply chains and take remedial action. However, real change and impact only occur when companies actively implement these obligations, i.e., not only conducting audits, but also improving real working conditions and involving those affected on the ground.

What examples of successful corporate practice are there?

Industry initiatives such as Fairtrade, Fair Wear, and Fair Stone show that audits combined with training, traceability, and complaint mechanisms can be effective. In raw material and agricultural supply chains, training programs for farmers, minimum standards, and independent controls contribute measurably to decent working conditions.

What specific steps should companies in the DACH region take to promote SDG 8?

Five points are crucial:

1. Analyze supply chains and prioritize risks, not only at Tier 1, but along the entire value chain.
2. Anchor due diligence obligations in corporate strategy and introduce concrete implementation measures.
3. Enable employee participation, thus turning those affected into stakeholders.
4. Create transparency—communicate SDG 8 metrics and progress openly.
5. Think ahead: The EU product ban on forced labor increases the burden of proof; companies must start professionalizing their processes now to reduce their risks in the future.

How can companies better combine growth and sustainability?

We need to rethink growth in terms of quality: less focus on purely quantitative GDP, more substantial thinking: investment in education, innovation, resource efficiency, and green technologies. Increased efficiency, technological modernization, and the circular economy are key levers for combining competitiveness and sustainability.

Conclusion: SDG 8 remains a key touchstone for sustainable corporate management. Investing in decent work, transparent supply chains, and resource efficiency today not only strengthens a company's own resilience, but also actively contributes to prosperity without exploitation.

This is a partly automated translation of this german article.