PRIDE: Embracing Diverse Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities

We want our employees to feel that they belong at Sodexo. We involve our employees in pride celebrations to spread that message of inclusion across our organisation.  For Sodexo, Pride Month goes beyond waving flags and wearing rainbow-colored clothing; it is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of creating an inclusive and safe workplace for every member of our team, utilizing the power of togetherness to create change and acceptance for all.

People Power

PRIDE Network

As one of Sodexo’s Employee Based Resource Groups, our PRIDE network (People Respecting Individuality, Diversity and Equality) aims to educate and raise awareness within Sodexo's employees, clients, partners, and network on the issues facing LGBTQA+ employees. The Australian PRIDE network is aligned with its Global Pride Group, an initiative established in 18 countries, including USA, Canada, Chile, Brazil, UK, Ireland, France, Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Pride Month

The month of June is a time to honour the LGBTQA+ community's achievements and contributions. We stand among companies that support LGBTQ+ all year, but Pride Month holds special significance around the world, commemorating the Stonewall Riots of June 1969 which sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. 

Throughout the month, we organise events that raise awareness and show our support. These include panel discussions, workshops, and guest speaker events that educate employees about LGBTQA+ history, rights, and challenges. We also encourage our employees to participate in Pride events, allowing individuals to express their identity, celebrate diversity, and support LGBTQA+ rights.

IDAHOTB

Each year, Sodexo celebrates the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) on May 17th with Toolbox Talks, webinars, and events for all employees to discuss key topics and concerns and sharing stories of what it means to be an LGBTQA+ employee or Ally at Sodexo. Barry Dallman, Workforce Planning Manager & Sodexo Australia Pride Champion says:

“I have met people who were out, proud, and comfortable. Their visibility meant that I felt this was something I could do, and my perseverance meant that I was able to progress and support others in the community.” 

Partners

ACON Welcome Here 

Sodexo Australia is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. As a registered ACON ‘Welcome Here’ business, we welcome and celebrate LGBTIQ diversity within our business and at our Regional Support Centres. 

Pride in Diversity Member

Sodexo works with Pride in Diversity, Australia’s first and only national not-for-profit employer support program for all aspects of LGBTQ workplace inclusion. Pride in Diversity are specialists in HR, training programs, organisational change and workplace diversity dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of LGBTQA+ people by reducing exclusion, invisibility, homophobia and stigma in the workplace.

Recognition

Workplace Pride Global Benchmark

For the fourth year in a row, Sodexo has earned the highest Advocate designation in the 2023 Workplace Pride Global Benchmark. This prestigious recognition highlights Sodexo's performance and commitment to high standards of LGBTQ+ inclusion among globally renowned organisations.

Global Commitment 

Sodexo adheres to and has signed the Declaration of Amsterdam. By respecting human rights, eliminating discrimination, providing support, preventing other human rights violations and acting in the public sphere, Sodexo strives to create an environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging and feels valued by supporting an inclusive and safe culture internally as well as outside our walls.