This year’s recognition reflects Sodexo’s continued focus on using enhanced data and insight to drive accountability and improve outcomes for its employees across the business.
Sodexo is committed to fostering a diverse workplace and continues to work to understand where change is needed and introduce support to increase inclusion and help employees into or back to work. This includes:
- Introducing a stronger external benchmark on access and progression through the Social Mobility Employer Index. Sodexo was the first organisation in its sector to do so.
- Strengthening family‑friendly and inclusive policies, including parental leave and paid carers leave to support retention and progression.
- Increasing governance and accountability, with pay gap insights informing action planning and tracked through annual Social Impact reporting.
- Building on its work to support colleagues affected by domestic abuse. Globally, Sodexo was the first in its sector to sign a joint intent with the International Union Federation (IUF), committing to action to help prevent domestic abuse worldwide.
- Continued investment in structured development pathways for all employees to support progression and improve representation at all levels. The company is already ahead of its ambitions for female representation in senior leadership.
Jean Renton, chief executive of Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: "Creating opportunities for everyone to succeed is fundamental to who we are at Sodexo. Being recognised in The Times Top 50 for a third consecutive year reflects the progress we are making to build a more inclusive workplace, with women now representing 45% of our UK & Ireland senior leadership team and 36% of our operational leadership roles.
“While we are proud of this progress, we know there is more to do. We remain committed to removing barriers, widening opportunities and ensuring every colleague has the chance to thrive. Diverse and inclusive teams bring different perspectives, stronger ideas and better decision-making, helping us drive growth, deliver better outcomes for our clients and create a positive impact in the communities we serve across the UK and Ireland."
In the UK & Ireland Sodexo employs more than 30,000 people. The company uses its scale to drive positive change through its Social Impact Pledge 2030, which includes a dedicated 'People' pathway focused on creating workplaces where everyone can belong, thrive and progress.