Sodexo is dedicated to making the workplace accessible to all. We believe in breaking down barriers to build a more diverse working environment. We take a look at some inspiring stories from Ireland. 

Sodexo in Ireland has a proud history of making the workplace accessible to people who may struggle to find and maintain paid employment, or partake in the workplace. The business works with a range of charities to uncover the kinds of jobs people would like to do, and find suitable opportunities within our contract teams.

We believe that our workplace is enriched by variety and by diversity and giving people who have barriers to work an opportunity to helps us make our workplace more diverse. 

We also hope that for the individuals involved work gives them some independence and structure where there might not have been any previously. 

Barriers to work stories

GlaxoSmithKline, Dungarvan
Kieran (pictured right) has now been working for Sodexo at GSK Dungarven for eight years. We first heard about Kieran through Carriglea Cáirde Services who provide services to adults with intellectual disabilities. He’s now a vital member of the restaurant team, cleaning tables, sweeping and washing floors, and keeping the back-of-house area absolutely spotless.

“Kieran works so well within the catering team,” says Linda McCarthy, catering manager. “He’s always looking for more cleaning to do! We’ve had various audits and inspections where we’ve been complimented on our cleanliness – he helps us get results.”

“I like the job. It’s shown me I can do things I didn’t think I could,” adds Kieran.

Diageo, Dublin and Dundalk
Learning for Life is Diageo’s global programme designed to inspire and transform the lives of people in the communities it operates in. With a focus on adult education, the programme operates in partnership with local educational, governmental, and training organisations.

Sodexo is proud to be part of Learning for Life and, so far, has supported four candidates on work placements in the James’ Gate and Dundalk sites. The programme involves a seven-week vocational learning course before the work placement, which offers experience in a range of roles on site over four weeks. A three-month paid work placement then follows.

Pictured above right Learning for Life participant, Sodexo site manager and Joan Burton, Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection