Last year, SAI’s unique accelerated change program, TenSquared, expanded to India and Malaysia in its mission of empowering workers and managers to develop lasting solutions to workplace challenges. TenSquared addresses common problems that tend to happen again and through an innovative methodology in which participants work collaboratively to identify and address the root causes within 100 days. TenSquared’s coaches work closely with workers and management to develop problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills that can be used to address future challenges.
TenSquared first launched as a pilot program in 2013 at 24 factory sites in São Paulo, Brazil with the support of the Walt Disney Company’s Supply Chain Investment Program and in partnership with Rapid Results Institute. Over ten years later, the program has been implemented in factories throughout Turkey and China, benefitting over 38,000 workers in 40 companies. The TenSquared methodology has resulted in 93% of teams achieving their ambitious goals in 100 days, many surpassing their original targets. For example, one team reduced emergency evacuation time from 12 minutes to 3 minutes, with 98% of workers at the company reporting that the program benefited everyone at the factory.
“After TenSquared, workers and management are on the same side and in the same team – so we will continue to freely share our ideas.” – Worker Participant
“Through TenSquared, we were able to show our senior management that our efforts as a team were able to achieve results, even in a time of restricted financial resources. This was one of the most rewarding moments for me.” – Management Participant
In 2023, the first TenSquared team in India successfully achieved their goal to reduce the number of needle and trolley injuries occurring each month within the facility from eight to zero. After completing their 100-day challenge and developing a sustainability plan, their efforts will have a lasting impact on the 1,200 people who work within the facility’s production area. The inaugural TenSquared team in Malaysia is currently working toward their 100-day goal of reducing fire risks and will complete their challenge in May.
Image: TenSquared team members in Malaysia
Looking ahead, we are excited to expand the project’s reach across countries and industries. Companies in any industry can partner with TenSquared to develop lasting solutions and empower workers and managers. TenSquared is also a great solution for brands that are looking to implement human rights due diligence and responsible sourcing initiatives and build capacity in their supply chains. If your company is interested in partnering with TenSquared to address workplace challenges with the help of hands-on training and coaching, please contact Christie Daly, Director of Corporate Programs at CDaly@sa-intl.org.
