Find your Balance at Sodexo—Flexibility Works!
By Darla Mayse, Senior Recruiter

Making Every Day a Better Day is Sodexo’s mantra describing the motivation behind the many service solutions it offers its clients. However, that mantra not only applies to the clients and customers Sodexo comes into contact with on a daily basis, it also applies to its employees. Sodexo has long been known to offer its employees flexibility in a number of avenues: professional development, career progression and their personal lives, to name a few. Owing to its belief that balance brings success and that improving the quality of daily life begins with employees, Sodexo introduced Flexibility Works!, Sodexo’s Flexibility Initiative, one year ago.

Sodexo’s Flexibility Initiative began with the launch of the Formal Flexible Work Arrangements, which provides a formal process for employees to request a flexible work arrangement that enables them to make changes in the way their work is organized. Formal agreements are made through a consistent business-based proposal and review process. “Having a flexible work arrangement allows me to adjust my hours to effectively meet both the needs of the business and my personal commitments. I feel appreciated and valued for my professional contributions, and I am able to have more quality time with my family” says Susan Chapman, a District Controller within Sodexo’s Healthcare Market.

Sodexo recently introduced an additional component to the Flexibility Initiative: Informal Flexibility. The ability to rearrange one’s way of working to better accommodate family, medical or educational events already occurs daily for hundreds of Sodexo employees, so why “formalize” it? According to Jodi Davidson, Director of Diversity Initiatives, “We are embarking on this effort because we feel that well-considered and well-implemented informal flexibility supports our business goals and is mutually advantageous for Sodexo and its employees.” This option addresses those needs that arise on an occasional basis. Informal Flexibility is more about trusting the employee to meet both their personal and professional responsibilities, thus increasing engagement and producing better results for Sodexo.

These initiatives continue Sodexo’s legacy of providing innovative approaches to effectively enhance the company’s ability to attract and retain top talent. Jodi continues, “At Sodexo, we continue to challenge ourselves to foster a culture that provides opportunities for success and full contribution. Flexibility is integral. Employees are diverse and have unique needs, and we must recognize what we call the employees’ ‘whole selves’ in the process.”

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Author’s note: “I have been employed with Sodexo for 11 years. When asked why I’ve remained, ‘flexibility’ is always my first response. Sodexo has allowed me the flexibility of developing professionally and personally my way. Senior Recruiter is my title; however, it has not limited me to those particular responsibilities. Life happens and I’ve been able to lead a balanced one because of the flexibility Sodexo has allowed me.”