Sodexo Live! Launches Milestone ‘People Ambition’ Initiative Focused on Mental Health, Career Advancement and Boosting Diversity
November 15, 2022 (Gaithersburg, Md.) – Sodexo Live!, the global hospitality leader that manages prestigious, cultural, sporting venues and major events around the world, today announced the launch of its new People Ambition initiative – to attract, retain and grow its ranks of best-in-class hospitality providers. Based on quantitative yearlong findings from 50+ surveys of current employees across all roles, from culinary to front-of-house to management, the new initiative represents Sodexo Live!’s increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in recruitment, development, and management, and the prioritization of career development with deeper training and mentorship opportunities for every employee. The company will also provide more mental health resources as part of its increased focus on wellbeing.
"At Sodexo Live!, we are experience makers. We are committed to lead the charge in creating tangible programs that encourage active learning and development, while increasing our focus and support on employee wellbeing," said Tracey Jenkins, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Sodexo Live! North America. "Our investment in this significant Employer Value Proposition initiative comes at a time when the hospitality industry is at a crossroads. The People Ambition proactively addresses our resolve to be employee-first while engaging team members to build fulfilling lifelong careers here. And yes, we are hiring."
Sodexo Live! leaders have identified four pillars for EVP and what it represents:
As part of this new initiative, Sodexo Live! will be creating and implementing new programs that encourage diversity, equity and inclusion such as “She Leads,” which is a global mentorship program for women. Launched this past October with an inaugural class, participants are taking part in a nine-month program which will introduce them to other female leaders globally within the organization, and help them learn more about their individual leadership styles. Sodexo is committed to having women represent at least 40 percent of its global leadership by 2025. Currently, women represent 60 percent of Sodexo’s board members and 45 percent of the executive committee.
Additional examples of programs that support the company’s new EVP initiative include:
"A motivated and energized workforce is one of the greatest assets we can provide our venue partners and the top-tier events we host on a regular basis. Working here is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater and build a long-term career," said Steve Pangburn, CEO of Sodexo Live! North America. "Our experiences are unique, and so are our people. We encourage everyone to bring their personality, their background and a desire for delighting others. In return, we’ll give you all you need to thrive. After giving it all, you’ll return home knowing you’ve played your part in creating truly unforgettable moments."
Learn more about the company’s efforts and hear directly from Sodexo Live! team members on what it’s like working as an Experience Maker.
Sodexo Live! manages prestigious conference, cultural, and sporting venues and major events all over the world. With 40,000 employees and 500 sites, Sodexo Live! offers clients a range of bespoke catering, sales, and event management services, helping to transform the consumer experience into unforgettable memories. Sodexo Live! commits to unlocking customers’ full potential while favoring local communities. Sodexo Live! contributes to the success of prestigious events such as Royal Ascot, the Tour de France, the Rugby World Cup and soon the Paris 2024 Games, and showcases exceptional venues such as the Eiffel Tower Restaurants, Bateaux Parisiens, Yachts de Paris, the Royal Academy of Arts in London, the Museo del Prado in Madrid, the Hard Rock Stadium, the Scottish National Gallery, and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.