Sodexo Recognized as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion
BETHESDA, Md. (July 25, 2024) – Sodexo, a global leader in integrated foodservices and facilities management, is proud to announce that it has once again been recognized as a top employer for disability inclusion, achieving a score of 100 on the 2024 Disability Equality Index. This marks Sodexo's tenth year participating in the Disability Equality Index, an initiative of Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), and Sodexo’s fifth consecutive year earning this distinguished honor. Sodexo North America Region Chair Sarosh Mistry recently signed the Disability:IN CEO Letter on Disability Inclusion.
"Sodexo is honored to be recognized for our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where all individuals can thrive," said Charlene Thomas, Sodexo Chief Human Resources Officer. "Achieving a 100 on the Disability Equality Index for five consecutive years reflects our dedication to fostering a culture that embraces, values, and fully utilizes persons with disabilities. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees and our SOAR employee business resource group."
Sodexo's commitment to disability inclusion is part of its broader diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging strategy, which aims to create a workplace where everyone can act, belong, and thrive. The organization is recognized for hiring and engaging people with disabilities, working with community partners to attract and support talent. Through initiatives such as the SOAR employee business resource group, Sodexo works to raise awareness, provide education and resources, and proactively engage in outreach to support employees with disabilities. Sodexo CEO Sarosh Mistry
"Sodexo's continued recognition as a 'Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion' underscores our belief that diversity and inclusion are essential to our success and sustainability," added Thomas. "We will continue to build on this foundation, striving to make our workplace even more inclusive and supportive for all our employees."
The Disability Equality Index is the premier benchmarking tool for corporate disability inclusion, trusted by more than 70% of the Fortune 100 and nearly half of the Fortune 500. Since its inception in 2015, the Disability Equality Index has seen significant growth, with participation increasing sixfold from 80 companies to 485 in 2023. The Disability Equality Index has become a crucial tool for companies to benchmark their disability inclusion policies and programs against best practices, ensuring that they are meeting emerging global reporting directives and stakeholder expectations related to social and corporate governance factors.
Pictured: Ralph Eddy, SOAR EBRG Co-Chair; Neil Kilgallon, Talent Acquisition; Charlene Thomas, CHRO; Barry Frieser, Chair SOAR EBRG.
About Sodexo North America
Sodexo North America is part of a global, Fortune 500 company with a presence in 45 countries. Sodexo specializes in sustainable food service and valued experiences, in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Puerto Rico and Guam, at every moment in life: learn, work, heal and play. Additionally, the company indirectly supports additional jobs through its annual purchases of goods and services from small to large businesses. Sodexo North America is committed to meeting the challenges of everyday life with a dual goal: to improve the quality of life of our employees and those we serve, and contribute to the economic, social and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all.