2.3. Impact on Communities
2.3.1 Achievements in CommunitiesAchievements in Communities
Sodexo’s activities have a significant impact on the environment, health, education, culture and well-being of the communities where it operates. This is why Sodexo is committed to gender equality, the integration of people with disabilities, respect for culture, gender and sexual orientation, and the creation of a local, inclusive supply chain.
SheWorks: empowering women and driving gender equality
Sodexo’s SheWorks program helps foster a more inclusive and equitable society by supporting vulnerable women in the community, enabling them to explore new job opportunities.
In collaboration with SoTogether (Sodexo’s Global Gender Advisory Board) and Stop Hunger, the program was launched in 2019 and has expanded to include 30 countries in 2023. More than 2,540 women have benefited from this program thus far through the dedicated support of over 850 Sodexo ambassadors who offer their expertise and guidance to participants. By equipping women with the necessary resources and opportunities, the program empowers them to overcome barriers and thrive in the workforce.
55% total workforce are women
«Fostering diversity, equity and inclusion goes beyond our corporate values. They are the ingredients that empower our workforce to serve with excellence and drive a positive impact in our communities and on our performance.
Their everyday efforts continue to fuel our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace, despite an individual’s background, age, origin, gender or sexual identity.”»
Pioneering innovation in inclusive communications for the hearing impaired
Recognizing the significance of inclusivity for those with hearing disabilities, Sodexo is committed to ensuring equal opportunities. In April 2023, Sodexo Brazil implemented the HandTalk digital plugin on their local website and intranet. This tool translates text into sign language, creating an inclusive space for Sodexo employees and visitors alike. The plugin is frequently used, emphasizing the value of providing accessible environments both online and offline. With approximately 500 deaf employees at Sodexo Brazil, this innovative solution demonstrates Sodexo’s dedication to creating an environment that embraces and accommodates the unique needs of individuals with hearing disabilities.
Sodexo takes global action against gender-based violence with IUF partnership
According to estimates provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one in three women worldwide has experienced physical and/or sexual violence.
In order to address this issue, which affects the workplace and the well-being of hundreds of thousands of employees worldwide, Sodexo is the first company in its sector to sign this type of joint declaration with the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco, and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF). One of these initiatives is “Time to Act”, Sodexo’s global guidelines on addressing gender-based violence. These guidelines provide information and training to Sodexo teams and support each country in implementing relevant measures in collaboration with local authorities, NGOs, and clients.