Burlington, March 2, 2021: For the nineth year in a row, Sodexo Canada has been named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers by Media Corp. The company believes Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) is a market differentiator and this commitment is a fundamental component of its growth strategy.

By imbedding DE&I best practices into all aspects of its business, Sodexo is positioning the company for stronger business performance and improved employee engagement. This commitment is creating a workplace that’s barrier-free for people with disabilities, people of all faiths, sexual orientations, gender identities and backgrounds.

The values of diversity, equity and inclusion are deeply rooted in Sodexo’s DNA, and it shows in the workforce data:

  • 60% Female
  • 30% Visible minority
  • 6% Indigenous people
  • 4% People with a disability

“Our approach to corporate responsibility includes our efforts in sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion and fighting hunger, because we know that these dimensions are interrelated and that we can only address these issues with the support of our employees, clients, customers and like-minded partners”, said Normand St-Gelais, Director of Corporate Responsibility, Sodexo Canada.

Employees are deeply involved and have various opportunities to engage in Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRGs) that foster a robust diversity, equity and inclusion culture and promote best practices. The EBRGs represent each of the six dimensions of diversity including: ADEPT (All Employees with Disabilities Posses Talent); CIP (Council For Indigenous People); SAGE (Sharing Across Generations); PRIDE; So Together (Gender Equality); and Cultural Diversity.

“Through participation in EBRG’S, I’ve gained a better understanding of how I can foster an inclusive work environment for all persons. I was inspired to explore opportunities with local organisations to create partnerships and connections. By doing so, I’ve had great success at creating meaningful employment opportunities for community members living with a disability. As a result, my team is now more accepting and aware, of the value a person living with a disability can bring to our workplace.” – Amy Frank, General Manager, Sodexo Healthcare, Sodexo Canada

“Through ADEPT, I was introduced to a program that helps transition students with intellectual disabilities into the workplace. It’s called Project Search Toronto. I now chair the Project Search Toronto Business Advisory Council. We have been able to champion Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, partner with other employers, promote opportunities to hire trained and skilled employees and raise awareness for the benefits of hiring a Project SEARCH Toronto graduate.” – Jennifer Gilson, VP Business Development, Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors, Sodexo Canada

 

About Sodexo

Sodexo delivers a wide range of customized solutions, designed to optimize work and living environments. Sodexo has been providing food and facilities management services in Canada for over 40 years, with a focus on enhancing safety, work process and well-being. Sodexo is a market leader in Canada. Sodexo has been recognized as a top employer for the past seven consecutive years. Sodexo is proud to have created the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, an independent charitable organization that has raised over $3 million to fight hunger and donated more than one million meals to at-risk youth across Canada since 2007. Sodexo is included in the CAC 40, FTSE 4 Good and DJSI indices.

 

Media

Caroline Desvaux Tel: +1 514 476 2158 Caroline.desvaux@sodexo.com

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