Sodexo Signs CEO Pledge and Reinforces Its Commitment to Workplace Diversity
GAITHERSBURG, Md., Aug. 31, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sodexo, world leader of quality of life services, announced today that it has signed the CEO Action for Diversity & InclusionTM Pledge. CEO Action is the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The pledge outlines a specific set of actions that CEOs agree to take to cultivate a trusting environment where all ideas are welcomed and employees feel comfortable and empowered to discuss diversity and inclusion.
"Diversity and inclusion is a cornerstone of Sodexo's growth strategy and brand promise," said Lorna Donatone, CEO, Geographic Regions and Region Chair, North America, Sodexo. "By joining the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion Pledge, we're able to reinforce our commitment to provide all employees the best possible work life experience regardless of age, gender, nationality, culture or personal characteristics."
Some of the company's initiatives to foster diversity and inclusion in the workplace include:
- Commitment to Affirmative Action: Sodexo's policy of affirmative action facilitates the placement of qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans at all levels of the organization.
- Training & Development: Sodexo offers more than 25 learning labs on a variety of dimensions of diversity. Sodexo also provides a one-day Spirit of Inclusion session that is mandatory for all managers and focuses on building awareness and skills around diversity and inclusion.
- Mentoring: Sodexo offers mentoring programs that connect employees across cultures and business lines. Sodexo's mentoring programs hone leadership skills while fostering a more inclusive culture.
- Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRGs): Sodexo's EBRGs are organized by employees around a sense of shared interests and experiences, or a common dimension of diversity. The EBRGs provide networking, professional development and learning opportunities; visibility and access to senior leadership; opportunities to impact business results, community involvement; resources and support systems.
"We are proud of our company's progress in the area of workplace diversity," said Dr. Rohini Anand, Sodexo's Senior Vice President, Corporate Responsibility and Global Chief Diversity Officer. "We are always looking for ways to improve as an organization and ensure diversity and inclusion remain a top priority. We are excited to join in this effort with other major organizations that share our vision."
Sodexo continues to be a leader in the diversity and inclusion space, having ranked as a top 10 company on DiversityInc's 2017 'Top 50 Companies for Diversity' list for the 9th consecutive year, being named one of the 2017 Best Companies for Multicultural Women by Working Mother Magazine, and more. Visit our 2016 Global Diversity and Inclusion report for a complete list of awards.
"We are so proud that we are continuing to build momentum and support for the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion across companies, industries, and regions. This collaboration expands our reach and brings in unique values, actions and perspectives to continue to raise the bar for the entire business community," said Tim Ryan, U.S. Chairman and Senior Partner of PwC and chair of the steering committee for the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion. "The overwhelming support for the coalition has been amazing to see and with each and every new organization signing on, we have the opportunity to put our commitments into action by working together to improve diversity and inclusion in our workplaces and communities."
Sodexo USA is an American business that is part of a global, Fortune 500 company with a presence in 80 countries. Delivering more than 100 services across North America that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life, Sodexo is a leading provider of sustainable, integrated facilities management and food service operations. It employs 123,000 Americans at 12,500 sites across the country and indirectly supports tens of thousands of additional U.S. jobs through its annual purchases of $9.2 billion in goods and services from small to large American businesses. In support of local communities across the U.S., the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation has contributed close to $30 million over the past 20 years to help feed children in America impacted by hunger.
Learn more about Sodexo at its corporate blog, Sodexo Insights.
SOURCE Sodexo
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