12th Feb 2010 - 00:00
Abstract
Sodexo has launched a companywide programme aiming to raise awareness of diversity and inclusion issues within the workplace.
As part of its Diversity and Inclusion strategy, Sodexo has trained over 40 employees to facilitate 'Spirit of Inclusion' workshops for its 4,500 managers.
The programme aims to raise awareness of diversity, enabling Sodexo to attract, retain and develop the widest and most diverse pool of talented employees - reflecting the local communities and businesses it operates within.
The workshops are designed to be interactive, thought-provoking and practical, encouraging managers to devise tailored action plans that will maximise diversity and create an inclusive work environment for its staff.
The main objectives of the workshops are to enhance knowledge of diversity and inclusion and Sodexo's commitment to it, describe Sodexo's six main stands of diversity and the changing demographics, help clarify and understand the business case for and the benefits of maximising diversity and inclusion, and explore some of the barriers and solutions to leading a diverse team.
The other objectives include understand more about prejudices, stereotypes, discrimination and harassment, explore how behaviours impact on others and develop skills to effectively manage a diverse population and increase awareness of and ways to maximise all employees' potential.
Sodexo aims to have 65% of its 4,500 managers complete the course in the next 12 months, and 100% in 18 months time.
Sharon Kyle, head of diversity, Sodexo UK and Ireland, said: "Diversity is not a 'tick box' exercise or list of laws and legislation, we believe that by taking a long-term approach to diversity, we are really able to get to the human and behavioural roots of understanding - something that is far more valuable than learning a list of statistics or acts of parliament."