Sodexo Australia says ‘Pride Matters’ supporting LGBTI employees with Australian Pride Network

Sodexo, global leader in quality of life services, has launched its Australian Pride Network as part of the company’s ongoing focus on diversity and inclusion.

 

In support of more than 42,000 employees across Sodexo internationally who identify as LGBTI, Sodexo has prioritised the introduction of this network in Australia. The initiative recognises how a diverse and inclusive work environment emboldens workers to be happier and more fulfilled and productive for the long-term.

Launched initially to coincide with the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on 17 May, the Pride Network aims to build greater esteem and alliance within its global workplaces, raising awareness through communication, education and engagement with leaders and allies of the LGBTI community.

Sodexo Mining Solutions and Innovation Director Paz Avalos said the Pride Network was designed to work in collaboration with the human resource department’s policies while also setting a tone of acceptance throughout the company’s internal culture and all business endeavours. 

“The Sodexo Pride Network allows us to invest in strengthening the diverse communities we serve and become allies to our LGBTI employees, colleagues, family, friends and wider community,” Ms Avalos said.  

“We are deeply touched by the great support and endorsement of this initiative from Sodexo employees and leaders with many already volunteering to champion the network. We are also looking to partner with local NGOs to accelerate our learnings and build influence in the community.

“Unfortunately, across Australia 39 percent of workers still feel the need to hide their sexuality at work due to fear of not being accepted . Three in five people continue to experience verbal homophobic abuse because of their sexuality and one in five are experiencing physical abuse .

“We’re taking action to make sure Sodexo’s workers feel comfortable to bring their whole selves to work.

“We see this initiative as another vehicle to visibly demonstrate our team spirit and strengthen our value proposition to clients as we strive to create work environments that are more inclusive and where people can thrive.”

In addition to sexual orientation and gender identity, Sodexo’s focus on diversity and inclusion encompasses those who are diverse in culture, generation, disability and origins as part of its Better Tomorrow 2025 corporate responsibility roadmap. 

This new launch means Sodexo is now aligned with its Global Pride Group, with the initiative already established in 12 countries, including USA, Canada, Chile, Brazil, UK, Ireland, France, Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

For more information about Sodexo and the company’s Global Pride Network, visit here. 
 

About Sodexo in Australia: Sodexo in Australia employs a diverse workforce of over 5,000 employees. Sodexo delivers a unique array of over 100 integrated services lines including: catering, facilities management, concierge services, security, asset maintenance and hospitality services in the following segments: Corporate, Healthcare & Seniors, Education, Justice and Energy & Resources both on and off shore.

About Sodexo: Founded in Marseille in 1966 by Pierre Bellon, Sodexo is the global leader in services that improve Quality of Life, an essential factor in individual and organizational performance. Operating in 72 countries, Sodexo serves 100 million consumers each day
through its unique combination of On-site Services, Benefits and Rewards Services and Personal and Home Services. Sodexo provides clients an integrated offering developed over more than 50 years of experience: from foodservices, reception,
maintenance and cleaning, to facilities and equipment management; from services and programs fostering employees’ engagement to solutions that simplify and optimize their mobility and expenses management, to in-home assistance, child care centers and concierge services. Sodexo’s success and performance are founded on its independence, its sustainable business model and its ability to continuously develop and engage its 460,000 employees throughout the world.
Sodexo is included in the CAC 40, FTSE 4 Good and DJSI indices.