Gender Balance is Best

Want to improve client retention, employee engagement and operating margins? Make sure your teams are led by both men and women.

In a landmark study, Sodexo researchers found that gender-balanced teams in the workplace outperform other teams in a range of key performance indicators, including those below.

“Gender diversity is essential. It is beyond a moral obligation—it’s a business imperative and differentiator,” said Denis Machuel, Sodexo Chief Executive Officer.

One of the most comprehensive studies to look at gender in the workplace, the 5-year-effort included more than 50,000 managers across the globe.

The findings are adding to the already solid business case that encourages gender parity in leadership as Sodexo engages with major proponents for inclusive leadership including Catalyst. Additionally, Sodexo is receiving accolades that affirm the importance of this work GEEIS, Women Empowerment Principles, Bloomberg GEI, to name a few.

Sodexo’s larger commitment to gender diversity includes the global SoTogether Advisory Board (company leaders pictured above) comprised of close to 30 Sodexo executives, both men and women, who remain committed to achieving gender balance, a goal that women will represent at least 40 percent of senior leadership by 2025. Already, women make up 37% of Sodexo's Executive Committee and 54% of its Board of Directors. To further advance these objectives, SoTogether engages gender networks to build community across the globe.

“As a woman of color, I am proud to serve on the SoTogether Advisory Board. I have personally observed the growth and development made possible through the Women’s Leadership Program and the mentoring circles that follow. These programs have instilled greater confidence and further the aspirations of our future talent,” said Gerri Mason Hall, Chief Diversity and Sustainability Officer for the Americas.

“We believe that gender balance fosters creativity and innovation, and ultimately drives better business results. When women reach their full potential, business and society are stronger and more successful,” said Sophie Bellon, Chairwoman, Sodexo Board.

Learn more about Sodexo's gender equality efforts