Corporate Leaders Continue to See Diversity and Inclusion as a Catalyst for Innovation and Performance

GAITHERSBURG, Md., April 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Sodexo hosted its 10^th annual Diversity Business Leadership Summit (DBLS) at Northwestern University, bringing together area business leaders, Sodexo employees, clients and guests for a day-long conference dedicated to gaining new perspectives and greater understanding of the strategic business value of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 

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Research indicates that more diverse organizations are enjoying measurable bottom-line contributions as a result of inclusiveness. A recent study commissioned by CalPERS, for example, found that companies with diverse boards exceeded Dow Jones and NASDAQ average returns on five years, and companies that did not have diverse boards were at a competitive disadvantage. In 2010 Calvert issued a study and found that companies demonstrating a robust commitment to diversity, in addition to competitive financial performance, are better positioned to generate long-term value for their shareholders.

"Leading businesses spark greater innovation by creating a climate where individuals are engaged, feel valued, are fully included in key decisions and processes and are comfortable contributing ideas," said George Chavel, CEO of Sodexo North America. "Sodexo has a long commitment to diversity in the workplace and we host this summit every year to help businesses benefit from stronger diversity and inclusion practices."

Sodexo's nine Employee Business Resource Groups and the Office of Diversity host DBLS, its premier diversity and inclusion event, offering attendees the opportunity to participate in open dialogue with top diversity and inclusion leaders. This year, special guest Earvin "Magic" Johnson delivered the morning keynote on the topic of creating value through community and diversity.

Visit Sodexo Diversity and Inclusion on Facebook and follow on Twitter @SodexoDiversity.

About Sodexo

Sodexo in North America
Sodexo, Inc. (www.sodexoUSA.com), leading Quality of Life services company in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, delivers On-site Services in Corporate, Education, Health Care, Government, and Remote Site segments, as well as Benefits and Rewards Services and Personal and Home Services. Sodexo, Inc., headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., funds all administrative costs for the Sodexo Foundation (www.SodexoFoundation.org), an independent charitable organization that, since its founding in 1999, has made more than $17 million in grants to end childhood hunger in America. Visit the corporate blog at www.sodexoUSA.com/blog.

SOURCE Sodexo, Inc.