Context
A global construction and infrastructure leader sought to implement a robust living wage framework across its international operations. The company faced challenges with fragmented payroll systems and inconsistent salary structures across 1,000 entities in several key countries (Western Europe, Latin America, Africa), representing 50% of their workforce. After an initial data collection effort in 2024 failed to yield actionable insights, the company partnered with Ksapa to develop a more structured approach based on the Anker methodology.
CLIENT challenge
The company faced several critical challenges:
- Previous data collection efforts lacked sufficient granularity to draw meaningful conclusions
- HR teams across different countries needed contextual understanding to implement living wage initiatives locally
- Diverse local conditions required tailored approaches to compensation strategies
- Tension existed between standardizing methodology and accommodating local market variations
- The need to demonstrate social impact while addressing challenges with high-demand positions
The company required both methodological guidance for data collection and contextual analysis tools to empower local Human Resources teams to make informed decisions aligned with living wage principles.
OUR solution & IMPACT
Ksapa delivered a comprehensive living wage implementation framework:
Enhanced Data Collection Tools:
- Refined the existing data collection template to align with Anker methodology requirements
- Identified critical data points necessary for living wage calculations
- Provided strategic recommendations to improve data granularity while respecting existing collection structures
Contextual Analysis Framework:
- Developed country-specific living wage benchmarks for all priority countries
- Incorporated multiple data sources including working hours, minimum wages, poverty thresholds, household sizes, inflation rates, and food costs
- Created territorial classifications within countries to account for significant cost-of-living differences between urban centers and other regions
This comprehensive approach enabled:
- Improved data quality through structured collection aligned with international standards
- Enhanced local Human Resources team engagement through contextually relevant insights
- Development of targeted compensation strategies addressing specific regional challenges
- Stronger demonstration of social impact through measurable living wage implementation
- Better position to attract and retain talent in competitive labor markets
START YOUR LIVING WAGE JOURNEY
Is your organization ready to implement a living wage framework that strengthens your social impact while enhancing your competitive position?
Contact us to learn how our data-driven, locally-contextualized approach can help you develop compensation strategies that respect both your business objectives and the dignity of your workforce.
