The Economic Journal · 2026 · Achyuta Adhvaryu、Smit Gade、Teresa Molina、Anant Nyshadham
Abstract
Abstract We conducted a randomised controlled trial in which we enabled workers to directly and anonymously communicate with human resources through mobile-phone-based technology. Treated workers were much more likely to know about the tool than controls, though usage was low: only 5% of treated workers reported ever using it. Despite this, turnover and absenteeism were 10% and 5% lower, respectively, for treated versus control workers. Together these findings suggest a substantial option value of enhancing worker voice, which can promote positive workplace behaviours even when workers do not directly avail themselves of the technology.