How Shezaar Calculates the Labor Score

The Labor Score reflects how fairly and ethically the people behind a product are treated both by the brand itself and by the manufacturers it partners with.

Instead of relying on feel-good marketing about “ethical production,” Shezaar evaluates labor practices using real transparency, verified standards, and worker protection indicators.

The Four Labor Areas We Measure

Labor Transparency

How openly a brand shares information about its supply chain, factory partners, audits, and accountability practices.

Inclusive & Responsible Sourcing

Whether a brand actively supports underrepresented communities through fair partnerships such as women-led cooperatives, artisan groups, or marginalized producers.

Safe & Legal Working Conditions

Whether manufacturing partners meet essential human rights and workplace safety standards, including no forced or child labor, reasonable working hours, safe facilities, and worker grievance systems.

Fair Wages & Verified Labor Practices

Whether workers are paid fairly and whether wage practices are verified through trusted third-party audits or certifications.

Each brand is assessed across these areas and grouped into a labor performance tier making it easier to understand how responsibly a product was made.

Why Some Brands Score Higher Than Others

Strong labor practices require more than good intentions.

For example:

  • Publicly disclosed factories and audit results increase accountability

  • Third-party verified wage standards provide real worker protection

  • Inclusive sourcing supports long-term economic empowerment

  • Opaque supply chains increase the risk of labor abuse

Shezaar reflects these differences in each brand’s Labor Score, prioritizing transparency and proof over marketing claims.

Verified Labor Standards & Certifications

Labor scores are strengthened when brands or manufacturers provide trusted third-party verification of fair working conditions.

We recognize respected global frameworks such as:

  • Fair Trade Certified™

  • SA8000 Social Accountability

  • WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production)

  • Fair Wear Foundation

  • B Corp social impact standards

  • Living wage verification programs

And many more! Independent proof matters and is reflected in a brand’s final Labor Score.

Where Our Labor Data Comes From

Shezaar’s labor benchmarks are built using a synthesis of:

  • Published brand transparency reports

  • Third-party factory audit disclosures

  • Global labor rights standards

  • Human rights and wage research

  • Ethical trade organizations’ frameworks

Including insights from sources such as:

Fair Wear Foundation
International Labour Organization (ILO)
Fashion Transparency Index
Fair Trade USA & World Fair Trade Organization
SA8000 & WRAP certification bodies

When information is incomplete or unclear, Shezaar applies conservative scoring to avoid overstating labor practices.

If you have any questions or suggestions about the Shezaar labor scoring, reach out to us!