Why Diversity and Inclusion Should Matter to Job Candidates

By Karen Graham, Senior Recruiter and Trish Freshwater, Senior Communications Manager

This article first appeared in the April issue of C@reer Connections, Sodexo's monthly e-newsletter. Sign up today!

Here at Sodexo, we talk a lot about diversity and inclusion. It's woven into the fabric of our organization and is part of almost everything we do. But, you may wonder why this is so important. 

Diversity and inclusion is about understanding all of the many facets of a company's workforce – from gender and cultural diversity to generational differences that impact how individuals view and complete their work.

George Chavel President and CEO Sodexo"One of the realities of today's workforce is the need for cross-cultural understanding in our increasingly global workplace," said George Chavel, President and CEO of Sodexo. "The need for culturally competent leaders will be ever more urgent as the workforce becomes more diverse in a number of different dimensions." 

In fact, research shows that attention and recognition of all of our individual differences can create a more inclusive workplace where employees can engage and advance their careers. 

At Sodexo, we address these differences through multiple programs and commitments, including our nine affinity-based Employee Business Resource Groups, which are focused on the inclusion activities, professional development, building the talent pipeline, providing support to the local communities we serve, and helping the organization achieve business priorities. 

But, all of this starts with attracting and retaining top diverse talent in a competitive marketplace. 

"This includes creating pipelines for women and other minorities to the senior executive level," added Chavel. "At Sodexo, we identify high-potential employees through our Emerging Leaders program, through our mentoring programs and through leaders in our Employee Business Resource Groups." 

Building such a diverse and inclusive workforce at Sodexo has not gone unnoticed. Diversity Inc.magazine has consistently listed Sodexo at the top of its Top 50 Companies for Diversity for several years, including their number one spot for two years and being ranked #2 for 2014. Other organizations like GI Jobs, Black Enterprise Magazine, Hispanic Business Magazine and Latina Style have all recognized Sodexo's efforts multiple times since our tracking began. 

But really, it's our people who are making the difference.

"Four years ago I connected with Arie Ball, Vice President, Sourcing and Talent Acquisition for Sodexo. The two of us were identified as two of the Top 5 Diversity Thought Leaders recommended to follow on Twitter," said noted diversity leader Fields Jackson, Jr., Founder and CEO of Racing Toward Diversity Magazine. "This moment catapulted me to take the next step to really engage with industry leaders and share their knowledge, best practices and experiences." 

Each year, Jackson tracks the Top 25 Public Company Diversity and Inclusion Leaders. Fields Jackson, Jr. Founder and CEO Racing Towards Diversity

"Our mission is to educate and showcase the best diversity efforts being made nationally as well as globally," said Jackson "Reviewing this list annually and following each company and its initiatives have given me great insight into what employers are doing and what candidates are interested in from these companies. Sodexo has consistently ranked at the top of my list.