Sodexo receives multiple awards for its commitment to its people

Sodexo UK & Ireland has been recognised at three prestigious industry awards – People Awards, inclusion in EDI awards, PFM Awards – which took place week.

At the People Awards Sodexo was recognised with the Employer Brand award. It was recognised for its authenticity, ensuring that the employee proposition it offers to new recruits is experienced by every existing team member too. Its employee value proposition is focused on creating clear progression plans for employees and implementing recognition programmes that celebrate achievement across the business.

Comments from the judges included: “I loved the clear pillars, how they relate and have had impact. The approach is clearly values led from interview and throughout [employment] leading to higher retention”, and “Really solid entry with a well-defined employee value proposition that was co-created across the business, lives in all stages of the employee journey and is continuously evolving in response to feedback”.

Sodexo receives the Employer Brand award at Caterer’s People Awards. From left to right: Caroline Baldwin, deputy editor, Caterer; Thomas Hill, employee experience solutions manager , Sodexo UK & Ireland; James Stagg, editor, Caterer.

The inclusion in EDI awards, powered by WiHTL and DiR, recognised organisations, teams and individuals that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the promotion of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the Hospitality, Travel, Leisure and Retail industry.

Sodexo received the Stakeholder award in the inclusion in EDI maturity curve category and the DE&I team was highly commended in the EDI Team of the Year (more than 5,000 colleagues).

Sodexo is committed to providing all employees with the best possible work life experience regardless of age, gender, nationality, culture or personal characteristics, and strives to build a diverse and inclusive culture where its people feel valued and respected as individuals.

Sodexo’s DEI initiatives are integral to its people strategy, driving positive social impact and supporting a sense of belonging among colleagues. From enhancing benefits to supporting impactful programmes such as the 10,000 Interns Foundation, Sodexo has shown a commitment to not just improving its internal culture but also influencing change across the broader industry.

Mark Goodyer, HR Director, Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “We rely on our people. It is our teams on client sites’ that make the true difference; an engaged workforce will deliver excellence in the services they provide. At Sodexo we are committed to creating an employee experience where everyone can bring their whole selves to work, and to ensure that each and everyone of our employees feel empowered and accountable and are given the chance to thrive in their career. To have recognised at both of these awards is a privilege we don’t underestimate.”

Sodexo’s DEI team receive the Stakeholder award in the inclusion in EDI maturity curve category . from left to right: c Jo Aunon, director at WiHTL; Olivia Bollington-Wright, DEI administrator, Raj Jones, head of DEI, Iman Abdi, DEI advisor and Siobhan Griffiths, DEI advisor.

Finally, Sodexo is also celebrating the achievements of one it colleagues, Henry Gribbin, who was named Account Director of the Year at the annual PFM Awards.  Gribbin has been the account director for Sodexo’s AstraZeneca UK South contract since January 2020. He oversees the 300-strong team delivering catering and soft facilities management services to AstraZeneca’s 5,000 plus employees at sites across the south of England.

Michael Ripley, Head of Customer & Site Services, AstraZeneca UK South, said: “Henry has played a crucial role in fostering a positive relationship between AstraZeneca and Sodexo since taking on the role of account director. His strategic approach and unwavering dedication have significantly strengthened the partnership between our organisations. Henry’s contributions as a leader have been incredibly valuable in solidifying a strong and mutually beneficial relationship.”

Sodexo’s Henry Gribbin, winner of the PFM awards Account Director of the Year.