Sodexo Flexible Working Case Studies Version June 29th

part-time

InclusIon

Compressed hours

job sharing

Relocation

Annualised hours

FLEXIBLE WORKING

ChildcareReligion

Education & TrainingspoRt

Hobbies

Volunteering

Work life balance

Elderly Care

Staged retirementFlexitime

Working from home

Flexible hours

Flexible locationFamily & Friends Staggered Hours

Job ShareTelecommuting

Term time Trust

CommunicationOUTPUT

Objectives

OrganisedResponsible

FlexibilityDIVERSITY

Flexible Working Case studiesFROm AROUND THE WORLD

Engagement

Retention

talent

Introduction3 Welcome from Jane Bristow, flexibility work stream lead for SwiFt

Flexible working case studies4 Candida Arevalo food service manager, USA

5 Raj Brainch diversity and inclusion advisor, UK and ireland

6 Jeff Dixon retail and catering manager, USA

7 Crystal Flamisch manager, benefits, USA

8 Peter Gems executive chef, USA

9 Terrena Hooper workplace learning specialist, Australia

10 Erwin Jeffri diversity and inclusion intern, UK

11 Ray Jones quality, health, safety & environment executive, UK

12 Jason Love general manager iV, USA

13 Caitlin McArthur training manager, UK

14 John McIntyre human resource director, USA

15 Nicole Meehan assistant site manager, Australia

16 Bo Mijs legal project assistant & CRM project coordinator, Belgium

17 Sam Musannif HR business partner, UK

18 Lauren Oliver HR business partner – functional areas, Australia

19 Amy Openshaw head of knowledge management, UK

20 Audrey Park director, HMP Addiewell, UK

21 Lisa Roberts cook, Australia

22 Lilian Arevalo Rodriguez dining room manager, USA

23 Fiona Shields integration project director, UK

24 Steven Spurgin general manager hospitality, Australia

25 Ing Tsay senior benefits administrator, USA and Taiwan

Let’s hear from the managers26 The manager’s perspective

Contents

2 3

Introduction and welcome

At Sodexo, our whole mission is to improve Quality of Life; and that has to start with our own employees. Achieving an environment in which everyone feels valued by the business, can enjoy a positive work-life balance and is passionate about performing at

their best is front and centre of our diversity and inclusion strategy.

To improve the Quality of Life for our employees, Sodexo is committed to making the workplace more welcoming and giving our teams the flexibility to perform at their best.

As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, SWIFt – Sodexo Women’s International Forum for talent – has established a flexibility work stream, which I chair. The work stream is responsible for looking at how we can embrace flexible working, give our employees the autonomy to manage their own time effectively and achieve a healthy work-life balance, and become an employer of choice so that we can retain and attract the best talent.

This booklet demonstrates how Sodexo is supporting employees globally to work flexibly. It features profiles of employees who are working flexibly to accommodate their lifestyles, religion or preferred way of working.

The profiles showcase how collectively, through developing trusting, adult-to-adult relationships, we can help our employees achieve work-life effectiveness, drive individual performance and ultimately deliver unique value to our clients and consumers through an engaged and effective team.

I hope you enjoy reading this booklet.

Many thanks,

Jane Bristow, flexibility work stream lead for SWIFt, Sodexo

acknowledgement I would like to thank Erwin Jeffri (diversity & inclusion intern, UK & Ireland) and Annie Vandrotte (diversity project manager, Group office for diversity) for leading on the creation of this booklet. I would also like to give a special thank you to all our colleagues who have contributed to the booklet particularly those that have shared their stories and the guidance from managers on how to make flexible working arrangements successful.

Candida ArevaloFood service manager

Based in the USA

Why it matters to sodexoWhy it matters to me

UniTed STATeS oF AMeRiCA

I started working for Sodexo as a waitress 20 years ago. Over the years I have been promoted to several positions and last year I was promoted to dining services manager. I work with residents on menu selection for assisted living and ensure the meals get delivered on time. I also manage HR for 40 employees as well as accounts payable for our unit.

Flexibility in my position has allowed me to not only be there for my children but also complete my work tasks. When my manager arrived a year ago, he understood my circumstances and willingly flexed my schedule so I could pick up my six year old twins from school. He also accommodated me being off on Saturday to observe my religion. Therefore I flexed my schedule to be fair and make up for not working Saturdays by working Sundays instead.

Flexibility enables career progression for employees who take pride in their work. This leads to stronger employee retention.

Being a good mother will always be a priority for me. Sodexo opens doors and gives people the opportunity to grow. My career track would not have been possible without a flexible schedule.

about me and my role

about my flexibility

“Having flexibility in the workplace helps to reduce stress while at the same time motivating one to keep working to achieve work- life balance.

“

4

Raj Brainchdiversity and inclusion advisor

Based in the UK

Why it matters for sodexoWhy it matters to me

I’m the diversity and inclusion advisor for Sodexo UK & Ireland. My responsibilities include internal communications, awards and benchmark submissions, diversity and inclusion training and metrics. I also support the generations, sexual orientation and inclusion workstreams as well as supporting specific functions and segments.

I have an arrangement in place that allows me to take a few hours out during office hours every week to provide support and care to my mum. I manage my own diary so this time is flexible, in order to accommodate commitments I have both in work and personally.

This arrangement was agreed when I re-joined Sodexo in 2014 and was a key factor in accepting the position.This in turn has had a real impact on my engagement with Sodexo; knowing that I work for an employer who offers me such flexibility really does motivate and inspire me to deliver my objectives to the highest possible standard.

I have caring responsibilities for my mum who has multiple health conditions. Providing appropriate care and support is extremely difficult when you only have availability at the weekends when working a typical office hours working pattern. Now, I am able to achieve a work-life balance, having enough capacity and time to juggle my commitments to work, my own home life as well as caring for my mum. It’s allowed me to be much more focused at work as I have peace of mind that I’ll have the time outside of work to do the other things I need to do. As a result I can concentrate on my role and not feel so pressurised for time.



“

UniTed KingdoM

5

Be flexible; I plan my time in advance with an understanding from both my manager and I that this may change and, if so, an alternative time will be accommodated.

“

Jeff DixonRetail and catering manager

Based in the USA


As a retail and catering manager, i oversee standards of operation, including special events and functions, and retail outlets including cafeterias and bistros.

I have a long commute to work and flex time allows me to avoid commuting during rush hour. A few times a week I come in early to open and, on other days, I work late and close. This increases my visibility and helps me support my team while holding them accountable. This allows me to have a strong handle on operations and the tone, mood, and feelings of our clientele.

Employers who offer flexibility get ahead of the competition. This is a huge selling point when recruiting, and the client is happy because of the stability this offers over time.

Having a flexible schedule allows me the opportunity to spend time with my family. It allows me a presence at home as well as at work that in today’s competitive market is tough to find. I appreciate Sodexo enabling this mutually beneficial flexibility, without which I would not have accepted the job.



“always make priorities, and reassess them periodically. this helps to prevent you from straying away from what matters to you in your life.


“

6

Crystal FlamischManager, benefits

Based in the USA


I joined Sodexo 14 years ago and was hired as a senior benefits administrator. A year ago I was promoted to manager, benefits and compliance. Working with my manager, I manage 401(k), exec deferred compensation and legacy pension plans and ensure Sodexo remains compliant with benefit regulations.

In 2013, I negotiated a telecommuting arrangement where I would work from home three days per week. Given a long commute this was important when day care for my school aged daughter changed and I needed to secure before and after care services. Then last year, when I was promoted to manager, my manager and I renegotiated the arrangement. We agreed that my visibility in the office was important and so I now telecommute two days per week.

Remaining flexible helps employees get their jobs done. This leads to enhanced productivity and loyalty, both of which are mutually beneficial.

Because of my flexible work arrangement, I can meet Sodexo’s business needs and the needs of my family at the same time. This has helped me feel less stressed and enjoy greater balance in my life.



“open communication is the key to my flexible work arrangement. I ensure my manager and my team are all on the same page.

“ UniTed STATeS oF AMeRiCA

7

Peter Gemsexecutive chef

Based in the USA


I have a 35 year culinary background, eight of which have been with Sodexo. For the last six years I have worked at Knollwood as their executive chef. In this role, I oversee a production kitchen, two satellite kitchens and supervise 20 staff.

My general manager really cares about work life balance and the management team functions well based on our crossover of knowledge and that we don’t have the classic separation between the front and back of the house. Because we have the ability to cover for one another, we can enjoy a decent schedule.

Flexibility enhances the team, and encourages employees to remain loyal and committed.

Working for Sodexo has enhanced my quality of life. Our scheduling practices at Knollwood allow me to have some weekends off to enjoy time with my daughter and grandson. This was not possible when I was working in hotels.



“Recruit the right staff to do the job. Don’t recruit only on what’s needed at this moment, recruit with the future in mind. this goes for business needs as well as the development of the person.


8

Terrena Hooperworkplace learning specialist

Based in Australia


AUSTRAliA

I work as workplace learning specialist which is a band five support role. I travel approximately once per month interstate. I have no direct reports but constantly manage multi-disciplinary project teams. My role is based in the Brisbane Support Centre, but I primarily work from home.

Telecommuting and flexi work probably best describe my flexibility. I work mostly from home, sometimes from the office and I have the flexibility to work outside standard business hours to suit my lifestyle, study and personal development needs. I do not have it formally in writing, but during my initial job interview I was told that working flexible hours and from home to accommodate my status as a single parent was possible. This has continued across two managers now.

Sodexo has benefitted from my ability to complete complex projects and I have been loyal to Sodexo due to this arrangement. I have had lucrative job offers elsewhere (from previous employers) which I have turned down in favour of remaining with Sodexo because of the flexibility (and respect) I enjoy with the company. I have also said ‘yes’ to things I probably would not have (travel away and occasional long travel hours) because I appreciate the flexibility that I have been afforded. This arrangement has made my employment relationship a give-give one (rather than a give-take).

Simply, I could not work for Sodexo without this arrangement. With parental duties and shared care with my ex-partner, I would not have been able to commute to Brisbane every day or move to Brisbane to work for Sodexo, which is approximately 100km away from where I live. I I also prioritise study and personal development, so the flexibility ensures my development needs are met within my busy lifestyle.



“Be flexible: do your best to accommodate requests that are needed by the organisation should they arise. this is a nice way to ‘thank’ your employer for giving you flexibility.

“

9

Erwin Jeffri diversity and inclusion intern

Based in the UK


UniTed KingdoM

I started working for Sodexo in October 2014 as the diversity and inclusion intern on a 44-week placement from Brunel University. I am based at One Southampton Row, the UK Head Office. I support projects and initiatives within the diversity and inclusion strategy, including the creation of this booklet.

I have an arrangement in place with my line manager where I work from home every Friday. This enables me to practice my religion as I have a duty to attend a prayer mass for an hour. I will then work flexibly by making up for the hour I have missed by starting an hour earlier in the day or finishing later. As I don’t have to commute, it works well for me to adjust my time flexibly for this arrangement.

Knowing that I am working with an employer that provides me such flexibility motivates me to work harder to produce higher quality of work. Like many ‘generation Y’ people when I graduate, I want to work for an employer who offers this flexibility to all employees, and I am sure that flexibility leads to a higher engagement and retention.

It is important for me as it enables me to practice my religion as well as achieve a work life-balance.By practicing this flexible working arrangement, I am able to improve on my time management. Being able to work flexibly has improved my engagement.



“Working flexibly is all about trust, time management and working efficiently while at the same time managing personal life to achieve work-life balance.

“

10

Ray JonesQuality, health, safety & environment executive

Based in the UK


I started working for Sodexo in July 2007; having just finished 22 years service with the military. My role is client facing, supporting the British military within Cyprus. Although based at our head office at RAF Akrotiri my role requires me to visit five main sites on a regular basis across the island.

Over the past seven years I have either worked at our head office or out on one of the sites during core hours. I also utilise flexible working in order to balance the needs of my children. Managing two teenagers’ extra curricular activities and the needs of my job can be quite a challenge. I will often leave work early on a Tuesday and Thursday for the cadet ‘run’ and then return to the head office (cadets and the Sodexo office share the same site) to work during the evening (six hours per week). On occasion, I will also attend my childrens’ activities (plays, parent/teacher meetings, etc) and therefore will organise the day by starting earlier at the office in order to ensure that I am able to support the parent/teacher activities.

The organisation has benefitted hugely from this. I often work during core business hours and may start later/finish earlier or work in the evening, making myself available outside working hours. I work the later pattern on occasion during the week so that Sodexo can continue to provide a service to the customer and feels increased loyalty and engagement due to Sodexo’s support.

The arrangement is particularly important to me as working flexibly enables me to spend quality time with my family and support my children in developing their own needs and interests. This arrangement also enables me to support my wife in her career. This has benefited our family in terms of time together. It has also helped financially and enabled both my wife and I to fulfil our roles as both professionals and parents.

about me and my role about my flexibility

“Flexible working is all about building the relationship with your line manager and fostering trust as well as being organised.

“ UniTed KingdoM

11

Caitlin McArthurTraining manager

Based in the UK


i have worked for Sodexo for 30 years, apart from a short break, i have had various roles and am currently the training manager for Brunel University. i’m part of the senior management team on site and responsible for all the management and staff training and development on and off site.

It is a formal arrangement where I am contracted to work 150 days a year. This means that I can organise my working week depending on the levels of business at site. For example, the university is very busy in September when the new academic year starts but not so busy whilst all the students are studying for exams so I might work five days a week in September but only two or three days in May.

This matters to Sodexo as it means I am on site when they require support and not when they don’t. The site is almost in operation seven days a week 24 hours a day so this flexibility means that if I need to be here in the evening or on a Saturday I can build this in to my working week.

The arrangement is crucial to create a good work-life balance for me as it means that I can have quality time with my son and if he has an event at school I can adjust my working week accordingly without any detriment to the business.



“Make sure that the arrangement works for you and the business. the business needs to recognise the advantages of the flexibility and not feel that it hinders the business in any way.

“ UniTed KingdoM

13

Jason LoveGeneral manager IV

Based in the USA



In the role of general manager, I am a “manager of leaders”, focusing on operational strengths and ensuring a strong, cohesive operational team. I focus on exceeding client and customer needs, while establishing a strong, viable and profitable account.

For much of my career I worked for organizations that preached the focus of “work-life-balance” but truly did not support the need for flexibility. When I was interviewed by Sodexo, I spoke with the district manager (who I now report to), the vice president and client at Knollwood all who assured me that they were supportive of my request for flexible time given a long commute and the area in which we work. I made the right decision and appreciate that they care about my quality of life. In turn, I implemented collaborative scheduling with my team which has worked well for everyone.

Collaborative scheduling creates an environment that encourages the team to work together, communicate and cover for one another. Flexibility is a clear driver for employee engagement and retention.

Without all the pressures of extremely long commutes, I am far more productive. I take pride in contributing 100% at work, while also being able to serve my community and focus on my family. The ability to work with a top employer in one of the most congested areas in the U.S. while still being able to be a father, husband, and coach is a huge benefit to me.



“understanding your team individually greatly helps expand the possibilities of your team as well as empowering your managers. Instilling ownership is key to establishing a flexible working program.

“

12

Nicole MeehanAssistant site manager

Based in Australia


The role is predominantly administration based supporting the site and site manager. i am responsible for all invoicing and financial reporting. i complete administration duties for the 56 staff on site.

My flexible working arrangement is both in term of my working hours as well as location depending on my needs each week. I returned from maternity leave in March 2015 and needed to be able to have flexibility because of my daughter. I have the ability to work from home if I cannot get to the site and I also have the ability to work shorter days by finishing earlier in the day to pick my daughter up. The flexibility in my schedule varies based on the operations of the site each week.

Sodexo has benefited because of employee loyalty, and it is also a great demonstration to our client because of consistency in the employee they interact with.

With Sodexo giving me this flexibility I was able to come back to work sooner than I originally anticipated. It provides me the support from my manager that she trusts that I can get the job done regardless of whether I am on-site or not. I appreciate the effort Sodexo have gone to, to support my return to work and maintain work-life balance.



“Having flexible work arrangements is a privilege and should be treated as such. It is all about trust. I work harder at home to show that I am not taking this offer for granted and do not want to jeopardise my position or role.

AUSTRAliA

“

15

John McIntyreHR director

Based in the USA


I have worked for Sodexo for 30 years, 15 as a HR director and 15 prior to that in operations in Healthcare. I am the business partner for three regional vice presidents and their teams. I have HR responsibility for over 500 management level individuals and over 800 frontline employees.

For the past five years I have worked from a home office, saving Sodexo thousands of dollars in real estate per year that would otherwise be incurred in office space rental.

I believe that it is in the best interests of Sodexo to foster a flexible culture because it allows us to attract and retain the best talent ultimately resulting in the best outcomes for our clients and customers.

Working from a home office makes my life ‘work’ outside of work. Both my partner and I start our days early and this frees us up to focus on our personal lives in the evenings when I’m not traveling. By nature of this virtual arrangement, I have enhanced my communication skills and learned to leverage technology – skills that are helping me in all aspects of my job.



“Keep customer and business needs forefront, utilize technology and prioritize in order to maintain balance and know when to ‘turn it off’.


14

Bo Mijslegal project assistant and customer relation management (CRM) project coordinator

Based in Belgium


BelgiUM

i work as a legal assistant and a project coordinator for CRM. For the legal side i handle all administrational tasks, monitor the insurance damage claims and draft and edit our commercial contracts. on the CRM side i am the contact person for our Belgian users and Sodexo group.

Since March 2015 my flexible working arrangement has been implemented and I work from home one day a week usually on Wednesdays. Because I come to the office by car and I do not live near Brussels, it takes me an hour without traffic jams to get to the office. The main reason of my flexible working arrangement and to why it was important for me, is the distance from home to work and the fact that it’s fatiguing to get up very early to avoid the traffic jams.

In my opinion you are more productive and positive if you have a good and healthy work-life balance and, therefore Sodexo benefits from giving this possibility to employees.To give flexibility is to receive flexibility: I feel well, am positive, I appreciate the freedom and trust Sodexo gives me which is all connected to the quality of life.

“Quality of Life” – there is no quality of life if you are not able to combine work life with your private life. As a result of the flexibility I have given over the last couple of years and continue to give, my manager agreed to this flexible working arrangement. Being able to work from home at least once a week breaks the tiring pattern of getting up early and getting stuck in traffic. It has a relieving effect which causes me to be more productive during the day.



“support functions aren’t always easy to combine with home office.as not all tasks can be done from home, good preparation and organisation of a to do list really helps me.

“

16

Sam MusannifHR business partner

Based in the UK


I started working with Sodexo Justice Services at HMP Peterborough in August 2013 as HR business partner. My role is to partner with our director and senior management team to drive and deliver HR solutions.

My flexible working is truly flexible in that there is no strict pattern. There is scope to flex my contracted hours around childcare and family commitments together with the ability to work from home. My father is also in poor health and my mother is the main carer so again, the level of flexibility allows me to be there for critical support. It works both ways. If I am needed early, late, weekends or bank holidays I will always flex to accommodate.

The prison operates a shift pattern so I can represent HR outside of the traditional nine to five working. This means HR is more accessible and visible to managers, which helps to raise our profile and build and strengthen relationships.

It means that I can take or collect my son from school and also continue to be with him at important events. I am an only child so the ability to support my parents, when required is also very important to me. I commute daily to my site and travel and stay overnight up to four times per month; so the ability to work from home really helps my work-life balance.


“Keep communicating with your manager and team so everyone knows where they stand. I also travel by train as much as possible to maximise my working time.

“

17

UniTed KingdoM

Amy OpenshawHead of knowledge management

Based in the UK


I’m a bid specialist with over 17 years experience of managing, producing and writing tenders and proposals. My current role is to manage the UK and Ireland sales/bid team’s knowledge base, BidNet. Although not a client-facing role, I do travel regularly to meet with colleagues across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

I started home-working as formal arrangement in April 2015 after relocating to a different area of the UK where I was no longer within commutable distance of the London office where I previously worked. I now find I am able to be more flexible and productive during my working day, using the time previously taken up with my commute more constructively, for example, for conference calls, planning or to catch-up with emails.

I have been committed to my work at Sodexo for fifteen years. To be able to continue to work for the company in my new location means that Sodexo has retained my knowledge/experience and I continue to feel loyal to the company.

Being a homeworker means I can continue to be part of a Sodexo team I have enjoyed working in for the last fifteen years. It has also made it possible for me to live closer to and support my family.



“It’s important to keep a healthy distance between your work and your home life; create a dedicated space to work in, however small or simple.

“ UniTed KingdoM

19

Lauren OliverHR business partner – functional areas

Based in Australia


AUSTRAliA

My role sits on the HR leadership team and is a dual role – one part oversees national HR administration whilst the other side supports the HR strategy and activities in the functional support areas of the business; finance, HR etc. My role is based at our National Support Centre in Melbourne.

My flexible working arrangement is a formal contractual arrangement where I work three days per week as well as being able to work from home. I work from home mainly to focus on pending deadlines or project type work. I have worked on a part time basis since I returned from maternity leave in February 2012.

I joined Sodexo in 2009, and without this part-time arrangement in place I would have left the company. As a result of my retention Sodexo has benefited from a continuation of internal knowledge, a good historical understanding of people, systems and processes, as well as my continued loyalty to the company.

This arrangement is extremely important to me, as I always envisaged being a hands-on parent whilst maintaining a career, preferably in HR. I want to be able to positively influence and enjoy my boys’ lives whilst they are young, along with having the ability to participate in the social aspect of being a parent in terms of attending playgroups, etc, which occur during the working week.



“clearly outline to your stakeholders the flexibility arrangement you have in place, and when you can and can’t be contacted. set the expectation up front.

“

18

Lisa RobertsCook

Based in Australia


AUSTRAliA

My usual role is of a dinner cook but I am very versatile and can, and do, work in potwash, salads, pastry and front of house. I work in the afternoon usually from 3pm until 8pm. I work every weekend which covers both breakfast and lunch shifts.

My hours are flexible and range from eight to 36 hours a week depending on number of students. Sodexo is flexible in giving me time off for holidays as well as for other reasons. For example, Goulburn holds an annual weekend event each year, which includes a cookery section which I organise. My manager is willing to give me a day off as the show is only once a year and other employees will come in to replace me. I always juggle my work and family, and because I work mostly on weekends, I usually miss out on family weekend outings. Sodexo, being very understanding and flexible in terms of families also approve my holidays even during school holidays.

It is of great importance to me to get time off when I need it. Sodexo and I have a special arrangement. If I need time off they are willing. It’s a balanced relationship and it matters to Sodexo.

Sodexo being so flexible makes for a happy medium. I love going to work. I also love working and working with a great team of people. I come in for work knowing that because I work hard and put effort in, there are rewards. For example, managers being so flexible when it comes to holidays.



“It is all about being flexible- both parties need to be understanding.

“

21

Audrey Parkdirector HMP Addiewell

Based in the UK


My role is a client facing role and i am required to travel once a week within the UK. i have responsibility for over 350 staff and the 700 prisoners in my care. i am based in Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) Addiewell, west lothian Scotland.

My formal flexible working arrangement is in terms of my working hours and days. I work 32 hours per week over four days as I don’t work on Fridays. I have had this arrangement since September 2014.

I feel that this change has been very beneficial all round as after 29 years of prison work I need to balance my life better and give others the chance to develop in a properly supported way to facilitate succession planning. This arrangement will also help to keep me energised in role and committed to the company for the longer term.

After a period of absence in 2014, I made some adjustments to my life. I have been encouraged by the company’s approval of my request and I continue to be flexible about the days I work in order that the business does not suffer. My deputy director also covers for my fifth day and this helps with her development.



“stay flexible about the way you work to keep the confidence of others around the arrangement. Make sure you use the time you have off to broaden your horizons.

“ UniTed KingdoM

20

Fiona Shieldsintegration project director

Based in the UK


i am the integration project director for the recent acquisition of the UK company Motivcom. Prior to this role (december 2014) i was the operations director at Sodexo Benefits and Rewards. i led the operational management team providing overall direction and support for operations and the HR function.

Over the last 26 years I have been lucky enough to enjoy several periods of flexible working – as my needs changed and the family grew up. My first was in 1994 when my daughter was born and I changed my hours when she started nursery. I was able to manage my work from a home office and then a few years later returned to the office full-time, this worked well until my son started secondary school – oh what to do with an 11 year old! Sodexo again supported a flex in hours enabling me to be home soon after 3pm. Once the children reached mid-teens I was able to be fully back in the office. Of course technology has since advanced beyond recognition and now working flexibly is so much easier.

Sodexo benefits from a more engaged and loyal workforce by supporting their employees when it matters, I will never forget how Sodexo has supported me and my family.

Being a working parent means that you are constantly juggling and trying to be the best at everything. It mattered to me to be there when my children needed me, not just when they were younger but when they entered their teens, but it also mattered that I had a fulfilling job where my employer trusted me and I did not have to put my career on hold.



“Where possible have a dedicated home working space. Keep in touch with your office based colleagues by attending team meetings and social events.

“ UniTed KingdoM

23

Lilian Arevalo Rodriguezdining room manager

Based in the USA


i have worked for Sodexo for the past 25 years, starting out as a hostess, then supervisor and now dining room manager. in addition to overseeing the meal service with a staff of 14, i handle payroll and billing.

In the past I would not have known my schedule in advance and did not have the opportunity to have a say. Thankfully I now can have a life because of the way my manager handles the schedule. I appreciate that he asks for our input and lets us know well in advance so we can plan our lives outside of work.

Flexibility enhances the team, and encourages employees to remain loyal and committed.

Collaborative scheduling leads to good communication, respect and understanding. We cover for each other and have a great team. For the first time this year, I was off for Mother’s Day and appreciated having this special time with the family. My work experience is so much better because my manager cares.



“Focus on communicating as a team to ensure everything runs smoothly. If you’re planful, the team can cover for each other and schedules can be accommodated.


22

Steven Spurgingeneral manager hospitality

Based in Australia


i am in charge of the intercontinental Hotel group (iHg) housekeeping contract department.

I joined Sodexo in August 2014. My sites were based in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. When I am not travelling and on-site I work from home on a full-time basis.

It matters to Sodexo because by allowing flexibly, it will increase employee retention.

I will not have to bear the costs of relocation for a fixed term contract offer of employment. Aside from that, I am able to achieve work-life balance.



“ ensure you plot out your days targets when working from home.

“ AUSTRAliA

24

Ing TsaySenior benefits administrator

Based in the USA and Taiwan


i started out six years ago as an accountant, and last year as the needs in the office changed i transitioned to senior benefits administrator. Cross training in both areas has been valuable for Sodexo and while the majority of my job today is benefits administration, i still do some accounting work.

My husband works overseas in Taiwan and we have a long distance, commuting relationship. Knowing that Sodexo ranks so highly in diversity and that flexibility is an option, I felt comfortable approaching my boss, to ask for a remote work option which he approved. Three months of the year, I work virtually from Taiwan. During this time I make sure no one has to cover my work, and by using technology like Skype, instant messaging, and electronic signatures, there are no additional costs incurred. By functioning as though I am still on the eastern time zone, my work location does not impact my ability to fully participate and it’s seamless for my colleagues.

Flexibility can enable employees to contribute 100% and make them happier and more productive. So long as they are responsible and disciplined, this creates a win-win opportunity for both the employee and for Sodexo.

Based on my role, I can remain productive regardless of location. I am extremely devoted to and appreciate Sodexo so much for giving me this opportunity.


“to be be self-disciplined, stay connected with colleagues/business, set a good working schedule, use time wisely with flexibility and give a big ‘thank you’ to sodexo.


TAiwAn

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let’s hear from the managers

“If your team members need to travel a long way to get to work, flexible hours and home working can keep them passionate about their jobs without the frustration of traffic jams.” Caroline aelvoet Legal director, Belgium

“Technology allows people to connect anytime, anywhere, to anyone in the world, from almost any device. Flexible work arrangements allow us to keep our personal and professional lives in balance.” Crystal Flamisch manager, benefits

“Use different methods of communication so that employees know there are many options for communication.” david simpson Director, benefits

“It needs to be a two way street with both parties having as much flexibility as is possible and practicable whilst retaining the desire to still deliver the required service and operational result.” neil Whittle Contract director, Brunel University

“Flexibility is enabled through mutual trust and having an agreed business plan that we are all working to. Fundamentally, if my team feel supported at home they can give 100% when they are at work.” Peter scargill managing director, Sodexo Cyprus

“Working from home is not for everyone and not for every role but it can provide a much enhanced work-life balance especially where big commutes to your place of work are involved.” steven rowley

Head of the major bid and bid services teams

“As a manager, focus on the positive outcomes of offering flexible working in the role, rather than the inputs. Every flexible working offer that I have constructed has resulted in a measurable increase in performance.” iain Mcmath CEO Sodexo Benefits & Rewards UK

“See each other as equals; my job is no more or less important than our sous chef, executive chef, or cooking team. With that understanding, we can allow everyone time off without worrying about the quality of work, as everyone gets the job done and are willing to do what is necessary when needed. ” Jeffrey elliott-sampson Chef manager

“Providing staff with a variety of flexible working options shows that we support them and encourages them to continue working. Retaining strong and experienced staff is vital particularly in remote rural country parts of Australia.” Melanie Wells General manager, Education

For further information about flexible working in your country or entity, please contact your local HR department.

i

“my advice is to encourage open and honest two way discussions. As managers we shouldn’t be afraid of giving flexible working arrangements a trial or discussing perceived or experienced challenges with employees to jointly consider solutions.” Megan Horsburgh Head of

diversity and inclusion, UK and

Ireland

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“Your first reaction might be that it is impossible for the requestor to work part-time or more flexibly. Agree a trial period. You will find that you have a happy employee, somebody else below them receiving good development opportunities, and no reduction in outputs or outcomes.” Mike Conway Director of UK custodial operations,

Sodexo Justice Services

“Facilitating flexible working allows employees to balance important personal commitments such as study, time for hobbies or having a family. This improves employee happiness and brings positive energy to the team.” Pieter scheerlinck Purchasing manager

Benelux – supply management

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©2012 Sodexo Holdings LimitedNo. 2987170

www.sodexo.com

©2015

Registered in England under number 2987170

3223 Printed on 100% recycled paper

Sodexo Flexible Working Case Studies Version June 29th

Documents

Transcript of Sodexo Flexible Working Case Studies Version June 29th