Love Without Barriers - Sodexo Creates a Culture of Inclusion and Equity to Support People with Disabilities to Secure Employment

Shanghai , December 6, 2023 - Leaders from Putuo District of Shanghai Disabled Persons’ Federation and teachers and students from Shanghai Putuo District Ganlin Junior Vocational and Technical School visited Sodexo Shanghai offices, the global leader in Quality of Life Services.

The 32nd International Day of Persons with Disabilities was celebrated on December 3, 2023. Sodexo China marked the Day by inviting some special visitors to its headquarters’ office in Shanghai, China. The event, jointly initiated by Putuo District of Shanghai Disabled Persons’ Federation, Shanghai Putuo District Ganlin Junior Vocational and Technical School, and Sodexo China, was dedicated to fostering social connections for special groups, expanding their knowledge, and promoting their integration into society, allowing them to gain insights into the diverse options for career choice and employment.

A delegation, comprising both teachers and students from Shanghai Putuo District Ganlin Junior Vocational and Technical School and led by Jin Jing (Part-time Vice President of Shanghai Disabled Persons’ Federation, Party Member and Vice President of Putuo District of Shanghai Disabled Persons’ Federation), Chen Saiping (Deputy Director of Putuo Comprehensive Service Center for Disabled Persons) and Chen Tao (Employment Specialist of Putuo Comprehensive Service Center for Disabled Persons), visited the company and received a warm welcome from Zhang Yan (Director of Human Resources of Sodexo Greater China) and her colleagues.

Since 2013, Sodexo China has diligently aligned with government policies supporting people with disabilities in workplace, exemplified through the initiation of the “Employment of People with Disabilities” program, and has successfully provided secured employment opportunities to more than 200 individuals with disabilities in collaboration with Disabled Persons’ Federations over the past decade.

Sodexo has integrated its ingrained dedication to social responsibility into its corporate DNA, and established a comprehensive set of talent matching mechanisms to strategically leverage its unique strengths and advantages to ensure a judicious alignment of positions with the diverse occupations and specialties of individuals with disabilities at sodexo. In addition, Sodexo has undertaken the task of eliminating both tangible and intangible barriers, providing more access to people with disabilities in accordance with the specific degrees of their disability. Furthermore, Sodexo proactively engages in collaborative efforts with a number of special education schools, extends internship opportunities to students, with the primary goal of facilitating a seamless transition into the workforce upon their graduation, significantly contributing to elevating employment rates and ensuring sustained job stability.

Zhang Yan, HR Director of Sodexo Greater China, said: “Sodexo has been committed to building a company culture of diversity, inclusion and equality. As a multinational company, Sodexo not only views the ‘Employment of People with Disabilities’ program as a part of our corporate responsibility for society progress in China, but also takes such effort out of a heartfelt commitment. We look forward to deepening collaboration with Disabled Persons’ Federations in the near future to explore more possibilities for extending support to people with disabilities in their pursuit of employment.”

Jin Jing, Part-time Vice President of Shanghai Disabled Persons’ Federation, Party Member and Vice President of Putuo District of Shanghai Disabled Persons’ Federation, said: “We are very pleased to work hand-in-hand with a company exemplifying social responsibility over the years, dedicated to the noble cause of facilitating employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Thanks to the enduring partnership with Sodexo, the special groups have the valuable opportunities to engage in social work, thereby demonstrating their abilities and talents. In such a workplace encouraging inclusion and equality, people with disabilities can contribute reliably and realize a fulfilling life!”

Going forward, Sodexo will continue to fulfill its social responsibility, further expand its footprint in the Chinese market, and advance its “In China, For China” strategy by following the principles of sustainable development, so as to provide more development opportunities for people with disabilities, contribute to China’s economic and social development, and play a pivotal role in building an equal, inclusive society.