Home Corporate Responsibility Diversity and Inclusion Our priorities As the leader in Quality of Life services, Sodexo views diversity and inclusion as key development priorities. Through partnerships, awareness and development initiatives such as mentoring and employee networks, we foster a culture that embraces differences and celebrates unique talents. By making us stronger, more innovative and closer to our consumers, diversity becomes a driver of competitiveness and economic performance. Women in Sodexo Mixing four generations in the workplace Promoting jobs for people with disabilities Diverse ethnic origins Sexual orientation International Women’s Day, held every year on March 8, is the opportunity to celebrate and recognize the role of women in society, politics and the economy. For Sodexo, it is the chance to increase the visibility of its commitments to Diversity and Inclusion and more specifically how it supports the advancement of women at every level of the organization. This year, Sodexo highlights the fundamental link existing between gender balance and social and economic performance. Just like many international studies have demonstrated it before, Sodexo knows that with a better balance between men and women the Group is stronger, more innovative and better at serving its 75 million consumers worldwide. To better understand the importance of gender balance, please discover our special feature, Gender Balance Business News. (Pdf version or Interactive version) Progressing towards equality Women represent 54% of Sodexo’s workforce. Convinced that fostering the advancement of women, nurturing their talent and, more generally, encouraging gender balance is of vital importance, Sodexo has long placed gender equality at the heart of its strategy and performance. SWIFt is primarily focused on women in operational roles, positions in which women are traditionally underrepresented. The initiatives launched by SWIFt have made the difference: in 2009 a mere 10% of operational positions were filled by women. That number has increased to 17% in 2013. The Group carries out an ambitious and global ambitious including among others: training and awareness initiatives, mentoring, developing gender balance networks... Women at Sodexo represent: 38% of the Board 43% of the Global Executive Committee (as of January 20, 2014) 23% of the Top 300 Executives 43% of Middle Managers 54% Total Workforce (source Sodexo, fiscal 2013) The representation of women is increasing Michel Landel, Group CEO, has made the commitment that Sodexo will reach 25% of women in its Top 300 population by 2015. Since 2009, this number has increased from 17% to 23%. Furthermore, Michel Landel launched in 2009 Sodexo Women’s International Forum for Talent (SWIFt). Comprising 34 senior managers from 15 different nationalities and all areas of the organization, its objective is to improve gender balance and the advancement of women at every level of the organization. “Gender balance is a source of richness, creativity and improved collective performance. We need to be unwavering and ever vigilant in the relentless struggle for gender equality.” Michel Landel, Sodexo CEO. DiversityInc recognizes Sodexo’s Diversity Leadership with a #1 ranking on the 2013 Top 50 Companies for Diversity list. This year marks Sodexo's eight consecutive years on the annual business index. DiversityInc awarded Sodexo first place because of the company’s on-going commitment to diversity, the engagement of our leadership and our ability to implement, measure, and assess strong internal initiatives. > Read the press release Sodexo has received the prestigious 2012 Catalyst Award, honoring exceptional business initiatives that advance women in the workplace. See our initiatives in the US (video) Read the press release Contact Sitemap Legal & Privacy About us Services Corporate Responsibility Careers Finance Media © Sodexo 2014 Worldwide