As workers’ voices gain attention

Workers are the cornerstone of an enterprise’s sustainable development. However, their value can only be fully realized when their voices are genuinely listened to, respected, and responded to seriously and responsibly.

Leaders of Vietnam Caesar Sanitary Wares Joint Stock Company (located in Nhon Trach commune) and the grassroots Trade Union meet with workers at the production workshop. Photo: Nguyen Hoa

Recognizing the importance of listening to workers, many enterprises across Dong Nai province have established transparent, effective dialogue mechanisms to promptly address obstacles, strengthen trust, and motivate employees to remain committed and contribute in the long term.

Listening to workers

The workers' conference at Pou Sung Vietnam Co., Ltd. (An Vien commune), held in early 2026, became an open forum for dialogue, gathering many dedicated workers' opinions on benefits and policies. Here, company representatives directly listened to and thoroughly addressed each recommendation, helping to ease concerns and strengthen workers' trust and attachment to the company.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc, a worker at Pou Sung Vietnam Co., Ltd., said that through such dialogue sessions, many worker-related issues, from policies to working conditions, have been carefully addressed. This endeavor not only helps workers better understand their rights but also fosters a sense of reassurance and trust, encouraging them to continue accompanying the enterprise in its development journey.

In practice, organizations and enterprises that give employees opportunities to voice their opinions, contribute ideas, or raise work-related concerns tend to foster more positive and effective working environments. A notable example is Elite Long Thanh Co., Ltd. (Loc An - Binh Son Industrial Park). In addition to maintaining regular dialogue, the company also assigns staff to listen directly to employees' feedback, concerns, and aspirations during lunch breaks. Thanks to this open atmosphere, employees feel comfortable sharing their most pressing concerns. These issues are compiled and forwarded to the Trade Union and the Board of Directors for prompt resolution, thereby helping to make the company's welfare policies increasingly comprehensive. When concerns are resolved satisfactorily, employees feel valued.

Nguyen Thi Diem Quynh, an HR staff member at Elite Long Thanh Co., Ltd., noted that during the process of receiving workers’ feedback, she has responded to workers’ questions about regimes and core rights, helping them feel reassured about working and producing. Timely support not only helps workers feel secure but also strengthens the bond between workers and the enterprise. Seeing workers’ satisfaction gives HR staff more motivation to maintain this activity, contributing to building a cohesive and civilized working environment.”

Building stable labor relations

In recent years, grassroots trade unions have actively collaborated with enterprise leadership to establish multi-channel communication systems with workers. From periodic dialogues and suggestion boxes to internal surveys and direct meetings, these models have proven effective in fostering mutual understanding and stabilizing labor relations. Many practical proposals from workers have been recognized and implemented, ranging from improving working conditions and enhancing welfare to more efficient production processes.

According to the Provincial Federation of Labor, more than 1,100 enterprises organized workplace dialogues in 2025. Through these interactions, many issues related to worker policies, benefits, and working environments were promptly addressed. Many enterprises have also enhanced welfare schemes, including attendance allowances, performance bonuses, innovation rewards, and childcare support, helping employees feel secure and motivated in their work.

Empathy from employers is the “key” that opens up development space for workers. A democratic working environment, where all opinions are respected, not only stabilizes human resources but also lays the foundation for sustainable enterprise development.

A clear indication of employee commitment is the high rate of workers returning to work after the 2026 Lunar New Year. This circumstance contributed significantly to stabilizing production and meeting signed orders on time. Many enterprises have further increased wages, bonuses, and rewards for long-serving workers to attract and retain skilled labor.

Nguyen Thi Mong Thuy, President of the Trade Union of Vietnam Caesar Sanitary Wares Joint Stock Company, said that reasonable proposals regarding employee rights from grassroots trade unions are consistently acknowledged and addressed by the company leadership. Recently, the trade union successfully renegotiated a collective labor agreement with more favorable provisions for employees, serving as an important foundation for fostering dedication, loyalty, and responsibility among the workforce.

Thuy emphasized that when it comes to workers' feedback, the grassroots trade union and employers must not stop at listening; what matters is genuine understanding and action. When workers' feedback is met with transparent and specific responses, they feel respected and treated fairly. This undertaking fosters a sense of responsibility, long-term commitment, and creativity among workers.

In reality, enterprises that cultivate a culture of listening often see employees actively contributing heartfelt and constructive opinions. This two-way interaction not only helps resolve issues promptly and prevent potential conflicts but also creates a humane and supportive working environment. When employees feel respected and understood, they are more motivated to enhance their skills, innovate, and contribute valuable initiatives toward the enterprise’s sustainable growth.

By Nguyen Hoa – Translated by Minh Hong, Minho