The list, which has been running for 15 years, recognises and celebrates organisations that demonstrate progress towards creating more fair and inclusive workplaces. To be included in the Top 50, organisations must show that they are taking action by:
- Embedding flexible working – proven to lead to a more inclusive working world
- Ensuring equitable support for parents and carers in the workplace, regardless of gender or for whom they provide care
- Taking active, dedicated efforts to surface and address the ongoing issue of sexual harassment
- Ensuring an intersectional approach, collecting data and addressing barriers faced by different groups in the workforce
Sodexo’s initiatives include supporting colleagues experiencing domestic abuse as well as creating a programme to raise awareness about the menopause and endometriosis. Currently 46% of Sodexo’s leadership team are female and 38% of colleagues in operational leadership roles are women.
Jean Renton chief operating officer at Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “Sodexo’s commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace for our 30,000 colleagues is a key pillar of our Social Impact Pledge 2030. I am proud of the work we have done to create a working environment where our colleagues feel like they belong to a team and can thrive in their own way.
“We know there is always more progress to be made but being featured in The Times Top 50 again, our ninth listing since 2014, is testament to our ongoing work and demonstrates that we are moving in the right direction.”