Sodexo Actively Practices Corporate Social Responsibility, and Has Been Implementing Employment Program for Disabled Persons for Over a Decade

December 3, 2024, Shanghai – On the occasion of the International Day of Disabled Persons, Sodexo, a global leader in sustainable food and valued experiences, welcomingly entertained teachers and students from Shanghai Ganlin Junior Vocational and Technical School. Through an engaging and interactive session, Sodexo provided the students with both warmth and inspiration.

Earlier in November, teachers and students from Shanghai Ganlin Junior Vocational and Technical School visited the Sodexo offices in Shanghai for an educational experience. The students began their visit by learning about Sodexo's development in China, followed by a tour of the newly upgraded digital office to explore the company's expertise in facility management. Next, they visited the Bistrot Paris-Shanghai operated by Sodexo, where they learned about sustainable catering, including concepts such as low-salt, low-sugar, and low-oil menu designs. After lunch, the students learned how to make Halloween-themed pumpkin trick-or-treat milk tea with professional and masterful guidance from Sodexo barista. The tea-making session generated intense excitement among the students, encouraging participation and teamwork. The one-day experience left the students with valuable insights, with many expressing that the visit was highly rewarding. Some even mentioned their desire to join Sodexo after graduation. At the same time, students presented their handmade crafts, and the school awarded an honorary certificate to Sodexo's Bistrot Paris-Shanghai for its "Support for the Disabled, Charity, and Public Welfare."

 
Since 2013, Sodexo has been actively running its employment program for disabled persons and has partnered with several special vocational and technical schools in Shanghai to offer internship opportunities. In May 2018, the Changning District Disabled Persons' Federation, Changning Special Vocational and Technical School, and Sodexo signed a tripartite agreement to jointly establish an employment program for people with disabilities. Through the school-business collaboration, graduates have not only successfully joined Sodexo but have also demonstrated their skills and expertise at various operational sites. They continue to exploit their potentialities and develop their careers within the company. As of now, over 100 people with disabilities have been employed at various Sodexo operational sites across a broad range of fields, including healthcare and catering services.

On the occasion of the International Day of People with Disabilities, the Xuhui District Disabled Persons' Federation visited Sodexo's disabled employees. These employees are placed in various roles across departments such as finance, human resources, and front-line operations. At Sodexo, they progress from newcomers to independent problem solvers, overcoming various challenges with the support and guidance from their colleagues, and achieving personal growth. For instance, a disabled colleague who joined Sodexo's Finance Department in 2019 has always been surrounded by the enthusiastic support from her colleagues, whether it's in receiving daily deliveries or taking part in fieldwork. She firmly believes that by leveraging her strengths, avoiding her weaknesses, and finding the right role, she can excel in work and contribute more to the team.

Ms. Alice Zhang, Director of Human Resources of Sodexo Greater China, said, "I hope this activity will plant a seed of hope in the heart of every student. When they return to school, I hope they'll work hard to learn new skills, and in the future, have the opportunity to join Sodexo, where they can help bring happiness and delicious food to those around them. Sodexo will always embrace every ambitious individual with open arms. "

Wang Haixing, Officer of Sodexo's China Disabled Employment Program, emphasized the company's commitment to supporting disabled employees: "We will provide disabled persons preferably with jobs that are near to their residences or with convenient traffic. In addition to regular visits to the homes of disabled employees, we have also established multiple rewards for outstanding disabled employees and departments that support the welfare of disabled persons. Looking ahead, the company plans to introduce vocational skills classes, charity programs, and more, providing additional opportunities for disabled employees to play their full potentials in a society that embraces tolerance and acceptance."