Abstract

In Bangladesh, the ready-made garments (RMG) industry has emerged as a significant engine of economic expansion, creating job possibilities for millions of employees. However, the industry must overcome serious obstacles regarding sustainability and hiring procedures. In order to overcome these difficulties and promote sustainable employment practices in the RMG industry in Bangladesh, this research aims to investigate cutting-edge ways of company management. It uses a mixed-approaches research approach that combines qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. In-depth interviews with important stakeholders, such as industry experts, government representatives, factory owners, and employees, are conducted during the qualitative phase to gain a thorough understanding of the prevalent employment practices and their effects on sustainability. The quantitative phase includes an examination of management procedures, working conditions, and sustainability initiatives at a sample of RMG factories. The results of this study show that the Bangladesh RMG sector faces a number of sustainability issues, such as labor exploitation, poor working conditions, low salaries, and environmental issues. Traditional management strategies frequently place a higher priority on immediate earnings than they do on employee welfare and environmental sustainability. However, the research identifies a number of cutting-edge corporate management strategies that can successfully solve these issues. First, the study highlights the need to use a stakeholder approach, which entails active participation and cooperation with all relevant stakeholders, including employees, unions, governmental agencies, and non-governmental groups. Transparency, accountability, and the inclusion of other viewpoints are encouraged by this strategy, which results in more sustainable decision-making processes. Second, the study emphasizes the necessity of putting in place ethical labor standards, which include fair pay, secure working conditions, and employee empowerment. Businesses may improve job happiness, productivity, and long-term employee retention by prioritizing the rights and well-being of their employees. Thirdly, the study investigates how technological advancements can support ethical work practices. Systems for supply chain management, data analytics, and automation are emerging as game-changing technologies that can optimize industrial processes, enhance working conditions, and lessen their negative effects on the environment. Additionally, digital platforms and e-learning programs have the potential to improve skill development and offer chances for lifelong learning for employees, ensuring their employability in a sector that is always changing. The study also emphasizes how critical it is to promote a sustainability-focused culture inside the RMG industry. In order to achieve this, eco-friendly activities must be promoted, renewable energy must be used, waste and pollution must be reduced, and supply chain and production procedures must incorporate circular economy ideas. Overall, this study enhances knowledge of sustainable employment practices in the Bangladesh RMG industry and offers useful information to firms, decision-makers, and industry stakeholders. The industry may achieve long-term viability, boost global competitiveness, and have a positive impact on society and the environment by adopting new business management practices that promote worker well-being, environmental sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. The study’s conclusions have real-world applications for companies engaged in the Bangladesh RMG industry, empowering them to adopt and put these cutting-edge strategies into practice to increase their sustainability and improve worker and environmental well-being. This study also throws light on a crucial problem: the lack of business understanding among students entering the apparel industry, which leads to the hiring of foreign personnel to supervise local staff. The report discloses that Bangladesh’s GDP is 9.25 percent or 42613.15 million USD, and it emphasizes the lack of possibilities and the knowledge gap in the business world that give international workers from nations like India, Sri Lanka, and others an advantage. The report recommends educating the younger generation about the knowledge gap in company management and encouraging them to pursue higher-level education abroad in order to overcome this issue. Bangladeshis should take advantage of possibilities to approach multinational companies and brands that offer equitable earnings by concentrating on improving business abilities, notably in managing the fashion and textile industries.