Forward Faster Living Wage: Action Guide

This course introduces the concept of a living wage and explains how companies can take action to ensure all employees — and eventually all workers in their supply chains — are paid enough to afford a decent standard of living. Through practical guidance, real-world examples, and peer insights, the course supports businesses in aligning with the UN Global Compact’s Forward Faster initiative to close wage gaps and promote inclusive growth.

Course

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Course

A living wage is the income necessary for a worker and their family to afford a decent standard of living — including access to food, housing, healthcare, education and other essential needs. Yet today, more than a billion people earn less than what they need to live with dignity.

Businesses have a critical role to play in closing this gap. Responding to the pressing need for action, this self-paced, interactive e-learning course helps businesses understand the concept of a living wage, why it matters and how they can drive meaningful progress across their own operations and supply chains.

Developed by the UN Global Compact Academy, this 30-minute course provides practical guidance to companies on progressing toward paying all employees — and eventually all workers in their value chains — a living wage, in line with the Forward Faster initiative.

What you will learn

What a living wage is, and how it differs from legal minimum wages
Why paying a living wage supports business resilience, worker well-being, and sustainable development
How to assess current wages against credible living wage estimates and identify wage gaps
What actions companies can take to ensure 100% of employees earn a living wage by 2030
How to begin engaging contractors and supply chain partners in the journey toward living wages