Diversity and Inclusion: how we act
At Sodexo we work around five pillars – gender, generations, disability, ethnical origins and LGBT - to foster a culture that embraces differences and celebrates unique ideas, perspectives, experiences and talents.
Promoting mentoring
We believe strongly in the power of mentoring, an important contributor to talent development in the organization. By promoting discussions across genders, functions, client segments and countries, most mentoring programs have as strong an impact on mentors as on mentees.
In Europe, Sodexo’s senior leaders and high-potential women participate in a mentoring initiative that provides reciprocal growth and development opportunities.
The women gain professional insight and guidance while senior leaders build their understanding of the challenges facing women in the workplace.
In the U.S., Sodexo’s Spirit of Mentoring initiative offers three options:
1. Impact is a formal year-long structured mentoring program,
2. Peer2Peer is an informal program offered by the employee Network Groups,
3. Bridge is an informal mentoring relationship developed within each business line.
In 2007, Sodexo Australia and New Zealand set up a Women in Leadership Mentoring Program which offers future women leaders a personal development plan under the mentorship of a senior leader.
In addition, a new program provides a 12-month structured mentoring experience for high-performing or high-potential employees.
Currently 80 employees participate.
For Sodexo, diversity and inclusion are priorities. They represent a competitive advantage as well as a business imperative.