Sodexo India has successfully increased gender diversity in its food services and facility management workforce, with women making up 19% and 27% respectively.
The company's approach includes programs like 'SheWorks' and 'SheLeads' to promote gender inclusion from entry-level recruitment to executive leadership.
Through initiatives like gender-balanced hiring shortlists and inclusion training, Sodexo ensures a fair recruitment process.
The SheWorks program targets women from underserved communities, providing training in food services and facility management along with soft skills development.
Participants in the SheWorks program have seen career advancement to supervisory positions, leading to stable employment and financial security.
Sodexo's practical approach includes a 'Spouse Hiring Programme' for couples to work at the same site, addressing family and societal barriers.
SheLeads is a leadership development program to groom mid-management women for executive roles through training, coaching, and mentorship.
The company focuses on providing external workshops for women in leadership roles to navigate industry challenges and enhance management skills.
Sodexo's efforts aim to embed gender parity into its long-term talent strategy, with a strict 50:50 gender balance in its Young Leaders Programme.
Lessons from Sodexo's experience emphasize integrating gender diversity initiatives into core business operations, addressing practical barriers, and intervening at various career stages for building a pipeline of female talent.