Sodexo launches employee network to bridge generational divide

Sodexo has created an employee network to address generational differences in its business.

The caterer has introduced a GenMatch game, as an informal way for employees to better understand different generations and their experiences in the workplace.

It is one of six areas that Sodexo is focussing on as part of its approach to diversity.

Sean Haley, managing director of service operations and executive sponsor of the Generations network, said: "Sodexo employs and serves a broad spectrum of people in a diverse range of workplaces such as stadia, prisons, hospitals, schools, universities, barracks and offices. It's important we recognise everyone's background and values to help us give our employees a rewarding career and support them in delivering the best service to our clients and customers.

"Our latest employee engagement scores are very positive and 12 points above the national average, but results do reflect a wider, external trend which shows employees in their 20s are the least engaged. The first priorities of the Generations network will be to understand why this difference exists, and to explore how we can encourage the different generations to learn from one another.

"As many of our employees are based on a diverse range of client sites the GenMatch Game has been designed in a short format to be played in a relaxed environment to get people talking and thinking about the differences in the four generational groups."