Sodexo’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategy is built around five dimensions:
Promotion of gender equality
For Sodexo, ensuring gender equality is a business imperative, drives better performance and creates conditions for a better life for everyone. This is why the Group is committed to establishing an equitable and inclusive culture every day by embedding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in business and HR processes so that everyone, regardless of gender, can bring their full potential, benefiting from equal access to training, empowerment and development opportunities and thrive. In 2022, once again, Sodexo actions and progress on this issue have been recognized by the international label GEEIS (Gender Equality European and International Standard), which is awarded to companies that demonstrate a firm and real commitment to cultivating gender equality in the workplace.
Commitment to Equity and Inclusion on the basis of culture, ethnicity and origin
Wherever it operates, the Group rolls out projects that contribute effectively to strengthening equality and social justice and endeavors to create the right conditions to support its model of inclusion, promoting positive interactions between employees in a manner that demonstrates full respect and value for different origins and cultures.
In Fiscal 2022, Sodexo hired 1,485 refugees, 62% of whom were women, in 12 countries. To help them find a job, Sodexo is committed to supporting 50 refugee women in France, Germany and the Netherlands through a three-year mentorship program in partnership with NGOs Tent Partnership for Refugees and Catalyst.
Equal opportunities for persons with disabilities
Strongly committed to integrating persons with disabilities, Sodexo employs, shapes and adjusts its processes and work environments to attract talent and enable employees with disabilities to unleash their full potential. Sodexo is determined to make continuous progress on this issue and aims to be able to offer access to initiatives promoting the inclusion of employees with disabilities at 100% of its workforce by 2025. Numerous awareness campaigns on this issue are held throughout the year, such as for World Mental Health Day. In 2021, Sodexo was recognized as a Leading Employer on Disability by the National Organization on Disability.
Respect for all sexual orientations and gender identities
Sodexo is committed to prohibiting all forms of discrimination in all its activities so that LGBTQ+ employees can be fully themselves at work.
92% of its employees work in countries committed to a nondiscrimination policy, including sexual orientation and gender identity.
In 2021, Sodexo was awarded, for the 2nd year, the prestigious “Advocate” title by the Workplace Pride Global Benchmark, as well as a 100 rating on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Index.
Taking into account intergenerational differences
Whether emerging or experienced talent, each employee enriches perspectives on the work environment and the market by bringing their vision and knowledge to the table. Sodexo recruits people of all generations, values each one's contributions within their teams, and is committed to positively impacting the work experience of its employees in order to attract the best profiles, whether junior or senior, to engage them and to retain them.
Together with 200 other companies, Sodexo participates in Nestlé’s Alliance for YOUth program, which aims to combat youth unemployment in Europe by helping young people improve their chances in the labor market and by creating professional opportunities for them.
THE DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION ROADMAP
VISION
Sodexo is recognized as a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion. Its everyday actions are based on mutual respect, empathy and commitment to each other’s well-being. Sodexo acts as an ally, partner of choice and holds itself accountable for creating a safe space for everyone. Sodexo brings authenticity to all relationships; with its employees, clients, consumers, partners and communities, working together every day to build a better life for all.
Commitment: Sodexo works everyday to create a workplace that allows employees to act with a purpose, to contribute to an environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive to perform at their best.
