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This article was created by Roberto Ferreira, Stock control assistant, Sodexo Brazil
Inclusion really happens here
I am 44 years old, married and the father of 3 children. I also have a disability as I had to have my left forearm amputated almost 26 years ago following a traffic accident.
For most of my career, I have worked as a general services assistant. I have not had the opportunity for professional growth and feel like my disability and colour have been obstacles.
That was until I found Sodexo of course…
I felt welcome from day one
I found a role with Sodexo through an employment agency in November 2018. The day after the interview they asked for my documents so that I could start. I was incredibly happy to start working for Sodexo but at the same time I was worried about what a new team would think of me and whether they would accept me with my disability.
When I started working for Sodexo, I was made to feel so welcome that the concern soon passed. The whole team works together in a united way to deliver the best service possible. I felt part of the team from day one and loved the team spirit I had become part of.
I made it clear to my colleagues from the beginning that I do not see myself as disabled. I always do everything with no limitations. Little by little I learned how to perform all the tasks in the kitchen. I adapted myself to each task and helped my colleagues whenever possible.
Opportunities to learn and progress
After two years, my manager asked if I would like to take on an additional role at another location in a different city, which would give me the opportunity to learn more. I had never been given such an opportunity. At first, I was worried about the change and the planning involved, but it was a complete success.
Then in April 2021, after an open discussion with my manager about my skills and interest for progression within Sodexo, I was offered an opportunity to move to a stock control role. The role involved computer skills, which was an area in which I didn’t have a lot of experience. My manager was not concerned by this at all, saying that she would teach me everything I needed to know.
I felt incredibly insecure when I started this new stock control role in June 2021, it wasn’t easy in the beginning, but my persistence paid off. With the support of my manager and the patience of my team I have developed and learned a lot.
Inclusion really happens here
I believe that disability is not a barrier to gaining knowledge and professional growth. You just need to want to progress and to be given the opportunity.
Today, I’ve been in my new position for almost a year, where I’ve been able to gain a huge amount of knowledge which I would never have imagined gaining before. Now I would like to study and be able to progress even more.
I’ve been at Sodexo for almost 4 years now. I’ve found a world of opportunities and knowledge, as well as feeling part of the team from day one. I feel incredibly proud to work for Sodexo.