Sodexo Commentary

The Smarter the Solution, the Smarter the (World) Workplace

By Gary Herald
October 24th, 2011

In the blink of an eye, technology changes; and just as it changes the gadgets we buy and the entertainment we enjoy, it also changes the way we do business. Keeping up with advances in technology, not to mention government regulations, is enough to keep any facility manager up at night. Add sustainable systems, aggressive energy-saving goals and performance, and it’s no wonder companies are making the choice to focus on their core competency and outsource their integrated facilities management (IFM) to people like us.

As the industry of outsourcing hard and soft facilities-related services continues to grow at lightning speed, solutions providers are challenged to increase skill, competency and use of technology to ultimately win the battle for value. It’s more important than ever to be forward-thinking about how we can run smarter, faster, more efficient facilities.  That’s why conversations like the ones happening next week at International Facilities Management Association’s (IFMA) World Workplace Expo in Phoenix are vital to the industry.

IFMA’s World Workplace addresses challenges our industry is facing and enables conversations that lead to solutions and captures best practices. I look forward to this year’s conversations as we tackle the important task of using smarter facilities management to run smarter facilities

So rest easy facilities managers, this is a win-win. As organizations rely more and more on us as service providers to provide non-core services, it challenges us to gain more competency and skill, as well as the trust of our client to bring expertise, results-oriented systems and knowledgeable teams to the table.

Join the conversation with us at Sodexo, or @SDX_Solutions on Twitter. Also, you can stop by and see us at the conference!

Gary Herald is senior vice president of Sodexo Facilities Management Solutions.

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Big Ideas, Great Conversations

By Lisa Larsen Hill
October 10th, 2011

Lisa Larsen Hill speaking at this years IDEAS conference.

My role at Sodexo allows me the honor to talk to people with great ideas from all around the world on a regular basis. It’s a thrilling, inspiring and often motivating part of my job. Recently, I had the privilege of accepting an award for the development and rollout of Sodexo’s corporate dining concept be… as the best contract management company concept for 2011 from Food Management magazine. The awards ceremony was part of the magazine’s IDEAS conference, which they hold each year for operators in the foodservice business and is a place to foster and grow ideas to improve your business.

I was invited to be part of a panel discussion with other winners of the Best Concept award. Our discussion focused on the importance of nurturing an idea, bringing it to life and the need to stick with an idea and follow through with it. It was a fascinating conversation that has application far beyond foodservice and really got me thinking… Ideas don’t just solve problems and create solutions, but they ultimately spark rich conversation.

Ideas are the root of great discussion; I very much enjoyed talking with a fellow winner from Gunderson Lutheran Health System in Wisconsin and the great wellness work they do in the community via their 500 Club. Others I met along the way have new ideas that are germinating and will no doubt bloom into the next big thing – maybe we will see them on the stage next year.

It was truly an inspiring event with inspiring people and a great reminder to stay vigilant in cultivating your ideas, and most importantly, in a busy world, take the time to enjoy the conversations you get to have along the way.

Lisa Larsen Hill is a senior vice president of marketing and creative services for Sodexo’s corporate client segment.

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The Long Road to Relief and Recovery

By Tom Post
September 19th, 2011

The emergency shelter set up at Binghamton University.

As most of us on the east coast saw first-hand, Hurricane Irene, then the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee, wreaked havoc in our towns and communities. Power outages, wind damage and flooding were commonplace up and down the eastern portion of the United States.

From Virginia to Vermont, Sodexo employees showed true Sodexo spirit in preparing for and managing the storms and their aftermath.

Our team in New York at Binghamton University worked valiantly 24/7 to provide those affected with three meals per day; not to mention special diets for the elderly and small children, people with religious dietary needs and food allergies, and soft food diets.

In upstate New York at SUNY New Paltz, our team persevered through extensive power outages to serve 13 residential halls, as well as a temporary Red Cross shelter about 5,000 meals a day.

In Southern Vermont, the damage was particularly bad – widespread power outages and massive floods hit large areas of the state. Roads and bridges in places like Wilmington, Dover, Northfield, Brattleboro, Bennington and Rutland were either washed out, destroyed or impassable.

At the World Learning in Brattleboro, Sodexo produced 600 meals that were distributed to area residents. Brattleboro was all but cut off to the outside world because of washed out bridges and roads. Even though the local grocery store shelves were empty, Sodexo was able to utilize its resources to feed those affected by the storm for seven days straight.

In hard hit Rutland, the onsite Sodexo team was able to create a make-shift food distribution center. Our team was able to recruit almost 60 volunteers to help with the production of 1,200 sandwiches.  These meals were packed into several Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles, which then made dangerous treks to more than 25 communities without even the most basic of services. The Sodexo Rutland location continued this emergency response for 10 days.

Finally, on a personal note, at Norwich University, in Northfield, Sodexo had nine employees lose much of their belongings. In addition to providing them with food, the Sodexo Employee Disaster Relief Fund is currently assisting with rebuilding their lives.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who is helping out with efforts for displaced members of their community and those affected by this extreme weather. The inspiring Sodexo teams in New York and Vermont, along with many others, are doing important and meaningful work, and no doubt there are more selfless acts of generosity to come – it’s the Spirit of Sodexo.

Tom Post is the President of Sodexo Education – Campus

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Remembering Those Lost 10 Years Ago

By George Chavel
September 8th, 2011

Sunday, September 11th, marks the 10th anniversary of one of the most tragic days in U.S. history – an event that left a permanent mark on our national psyche.  We were overwhelmed with pain and grief as the events of that fateful day unfolded; we mourned the senselessness of so many lives lost.  Our collective sense of security and safety was shaken to the core; although wounded, our national pride and sense of humanity remained intact.

As our nation pauses to reflect on that day and honor the heroism of the first responders and the memories of the victims, let us especially remember two members of our Sodexo family, Benjamin “Keefe” Clark and Hugo Sanay, who lost their lives in the attacks of September 11, 2001. 

As we participate in observances, memorials, and programs of service commemorating the fallen, please remember our lasting tribute to our colleagues – the Sodexo Memorial Scholarship Program.

The Sodexo Memorial Scholarship Program was established to honor Benjamin’s and Hugo’s dedication to our industry.  The Benjamin “Keefe” Clark Memorial Culinary Scholarship is open to employees or their children enrolled in a culinary program or course at the college or graduate level.  The Hugo Sanay Memorial Food Service Scholarship is open to employees or their children enrolled in a food service, hospitality, or restaurant management program or course at the high school, vocational or college levels.  Scholarships awarded may be as much as $2,000. 

Thank you for taking time to observe this day in your own way.

George Chavel is president & CEO of Sodexo North America.

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Experience = Results

By Aster Angagaw
July 8th, 2011

There is a buzz in the workplace community – we could hear it loud and clear World Facilities Management (FM) Day, a virtual event on Twitter hosted by International Facility Management Association (IFMA) last week. Workplace professionals around the globe are challenged with not only managing space, but results-based plans for maximizing space efficiencies and effectiveness for employers. This is a change that will benefit employees in the short term, employers in the long run, and will provide amazing opportunities for collaboration and strategic partnerships that deliver mission critical results and drive change in the workplace of the future.

Last week, Sodexo Facilities Management Solutions came out in full force on Twitter during World FM Day and we had some energizing conversations about advancing the workplace of the future globally. This virtual event was a chance for the widely varied industry of professionals to further dialogue about some very real transformations that are happening in today’s workspaces by highlighting challenges and solutions for large and small facilities alike, and for our recruiting team to get out there and talk to potential candidates.  Let’s be honest, a career in facilities management has never been so exciting.

Like I have said before, executives are noticing that a company can only be as good as the environment they provide their employees to engage, innovate, and thrive in. The key question is how to rationalize office space to create and accommodate flexible work arrangements, yet still keep employees energized and engaged? And then how do you, in that same physical space, use technology and digital solutions to drive efficiency and results?  The discussions that took place on Twitter last week and other events around the world were all about creating an experience as the future of the workplace and comprehensive human capital solutions that are advancing today’s workplace. 

The entire event was exciting for us, especially the Sodexo Facilities Management Solutions team, because ultimately these conversations bring more and more awareness to something we at Sodexo know to be true: facility managers really can really have an impact on bottom line results.  Congratulations IFMA on a successful event. We look forward to more conversations at World Workplace 2011 in Phoenix, or join more discussions now at the LinkedIn Group Workplace Experience.

Aster Angagaw is a senior vice president of market development at Sodexo.

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Virtual event calls attention to the World of Facilities Management

By Gary Herald
June 23rd, 2011

As vast as the reach of the Internet today, so is the reach of the Facilities Management profession. No one knows this better than the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and why Sodexo is participating in World FM Day, June 23, 2011, with events in six continents including a virtual event on Twitter (#worldfmday). 

A technology-driven event for a technology-driven profession, IFMA is engaging facilities management professionals around the world in conversations about our growing and changing profession on Twitter.  With services in 80 countries, Sodexo Facilities Management Solutions is looking forward to this conversation and I, for one, will be anxious to see the buzz about what people want in a workplace. 

We know that facilities management is a critical component to the efficiency of not only a business, but also its employees. As my colleague Aster Angagaw said in a previous post about the new workplace experience, “executives are noticing that a company can only be as good as the environment they provide their employees to engage, innovate, and thrive.” But, whether it’s a energy management solution, an infrastructure renewal project, or a facility redesign to optimize workspace, the conversations are taking place at all levels on how today’s facilities solutions are mission critical to an organization’s culture and ultimately their future.

Join the conversation with us @SDX_Solutions today on Twitter.

Gary Herald is senior vice president of Sodexo Facilities Management Solutions

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Heartache & Hope in Joplin

By George Chavel
May 31st, 2011

In the wake of the devastating tornadoes in Joplin, MO, all of our thoughts and prayers have been with the people of Missouri as they recover and rebuild their lives. Yet again, through adversity and enormously challenging circumstances, I am reminded how extremely proud I am to be part of Sodexo, a company with amazing people with incredible heart and undeniable team spirit.

I have seen plenty of sad news from the area, but I have also received reports this week of our team’s continuing efforts to support the community. Through the business Sodexo manages in Joplin, I know our people there love the community they serve—in fact, some of our people have lived in the Joplin area all of their lives.  It was no surprise to hear that our teammates at Missouri Southern State are working tirelessly alongside The American Red Cross to provide more than 4,000 meals a day to about 800 displaced citizens staying on campus, as well as hundreds of relief workers.

Joplin, MO following the tornado on May 22, 2011

Our teammates from St. John’s Regional Health Center, which was devastated in the storm, are pitching in at satellite operations around the area, including assistance in opening a 60-bed mobile hospital. In addition, our teams from Missouri and surrounding states have mobilized to help source supplies, produce meals, and provide much needed support to the community. Sodexo team members from all business segments within a 150-mile radius are also rallying to provide support and relief to their colleagues.

In past blogs I have mentioned that I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that our people are the true spirit of Sodexo.  I could not be more proud of our teams for their outpouring of support for our fellow colleagues who are displaced or experiencing loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the people of Joplin, as well as all of the brave relief workers who are showing the true spirit of Missouri. The mantra posted on Joplin’s city website has never sounded more true…Proud of our Past, Shaping our Future. Our company stands on the strength of our people and are proud of that fact. That’s what Joplin will do too. Though rebuilding their town might take years, their strength and spirit will no doubt carry them through this tragedy.

George Chavel is president and CEO of Sodexo North America.

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Responsible Awakenings

By George Chavel & Dr. Rohini Anand
May 17th, 2011

Wake up the World!

Every day 56% of adults in the U.S. start the day with a sip of coffee, but a not enough of us take the time to consider the source. Even fewer of us think about it before deciding what coffees to purchase and what kinds of businesses and growing practices our dollars are supporting.

But coffee is just one example. World Fair Trade Day, held this past Saturday on May 14th, was specifically designed to wake us up to a greater awareness about the many hands and lives that touch the countless products we consume on a daily basis.  Each year it highlights the need for promoting fair and sustainable economic development locally and globally, and for trade to provide sustainable livelihoods and opportunities for small producers.

While consumers have the power to drive demand, businesses are playing an equally important role in deciding what choices consumers have and then turning consumer values into reality. Global companies like Sodexo play a huge part in providing support for the development of local communities, and this is in fact one of the fourteen commitments that make up the Better Tomorrow Plan, Sodexo’s global roadmap to sustainability.

Large, multinational companies can leverage size and scale to greatly contribute to local economies through strategic participation in the network of farmers supported by more than 450 World Fair Trade Organizations in 73 countries around the world.  That is precisely why Sodexo has committed to increase the amount of products it procures from Fair Trade certified sources by 2015.

The 2011 World Fair Trade Day theme was “Wake up the World.” Again using our morning beverages as the point of reference, Sodexo first introduced its Fair Trade certified Aspretto teas and coffees in 2009. In June 2010 it further expanded its purchases of Fair Trade products through new partnerships with United Coffee and Numi Tea.

Sodexo’s worldwide reach to almost 50 million people each day, provides it with tremendous opportunity and a responsibility to wake others up to the value of Fair Trade products.  Working with our clients, our suppliers, and our customers we are increasing the sale of such products. That adds up to real change for farming communities around the world. 

Fair Trade funds are specifically designated for social, environmental and economic development projects. Supporting Fair Trade advances a more sustainable food system and benefits us all, locally and globally.

It’s worth thinking about the next time you pick up something for that morning cup of Java.

Arlin Wasserman is vice president for Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility at Sodexo.

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Showing our spirit of service with Sodexo Servathon

By George Chavel
April 13th, 2011

For additional photos, click on the picture above

As a service organization and culture, Sodexo demonstrates care for our communities and the people we interact with every day and in many ways. It’s one of the things that truly energizes me in my leadership role. This month, and every April, is one of the most exciting for our company and for me personally. This is when we come together as a global company for Sodexo’s own “Servathon,” in a month of service around the cause of stopping hunger.

Part of our overall contribution is through financial support through grants that fund important anti-hunger programs, operated by expert organizations. It’s important, but we believe it’s not enough to write checks — We need to get out there and give hands-on assistance wherever we can.

The Sodexo Servathon began 14 years ago, right here in the U.S. That first year, hundreds of Sodexo employees nationwide devoted one week to community service, volunteering at food banks, shelters, and other hunger-relief organizations. Since then, sadly, the issue of hunger has grown – with it, so has the Sodexo Servathon. The entire month of April is now devoted to this initiative at Sodexo accounts worldwide.

Sodexo Servathon PSA

Over the years, Sodexo Servathon has grown so much that in one year, more than 33,000 global Sodexo employees have joined forces to donate more than 100,000 pounds of food to hunger relief organizations and serve 50,000 meals to hungry men, women and children. This year, in at least 30 countries, Sodexo employees will partner with several non-profits and organizations to serve food, raise funds, and empower those in need by providing nutrition, hygiene and food safety education, among other activities.

With millions of people now at risk for hunger in the United States, including 17 million children, food stamp rolls at record numbers, and food banks struggling to keep up with demand, programs like Sodexo’s Servathon have never been more important. 

Its one way this company is making a difference, but we couldn’t do that without the commitment of our employees.

That’s the Sodexo way… that’s the spirit of service. I invite all of you to join us in the important fight against hunger. However you choose to do it, every one of us has the power to make every day a better day for those in need.

George Chavel is president and CEO of Sodexo North America.

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A Champion for People in Need, and a Dear Friend

By George Chavel
March 11th, 2011

From our CEO...

This past week, the Sodexo family lost a leader and a social visionary – our SVP of corporate communication and President of the Sodexo Foundation, Steve Brady, lost a courageous battle with cancer and passed away peacefully at his home.

Steve’s vibrant career with Sodexo spanned more than two decades. His numerous and significant contributions included building the Sodexo brand, supporting countless people in their career development here at Sodexo, overseeing public and media relations activities  and establishing strong relationships in the communities in which Sodexo serves.

And while all of this has had a tremendous positive impact on Sodexo’s business and our people, Steve’s greatest legacy at Sodexo is his unwavering commitment to end hunger – a dedication that expanded from North America throughout all of Sodexo globally. You may not have known Steve personally, but trust me when I say that he was a passionate voice of the silent but growing group of needy and hungry young people in this country. Plain and simple, he was an anti-hunger advocate and activist.

Steve Brady

As the President of Sodexo Foundation – and its driving force, Steve brought his commitment to end hunger to life through the implementation and support of programs like Feeding Our Future, Heroes of Everyday Life, Sodexo Servathon, and STOP Hunger Scholarships to name a few. Under Steve’s leadership, the foundation evolved and expanded. In addition, its recent commitment to focus on childhood hunger was all Steve, and because of his unwavering dedication, the Sodexo Foundation has distributed grants totaling $15 million to hunger-related causes across the United States since 1999.

Steve was also responsible for Sodexo’s global STOP Hunger initiative, focused on ending hunger and malnutrition throughout the world.  He worked to utilize Sodexo’s worldwide presence, employees’ knowledge in areas including nutrition and food safety, and service spirit to extend the initiative to 39 countries and counting.  He served on the boards of the Sodexo Foundation of Canada, the Alliance to End Hunger and America’s Second Harvest (now known as Feeding America.)

Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve’s family and friends during this difficult time.  Those wishing to honor Steve’s memory are encouraged to make a donation in his name to the Sodexo Foundation (www.sodexofoundation.org), the organization that he helped to build and cared so deeply about.

George Chavel is president and CEO of Sodexo North America.

Note: Billy Shore, Executive Director of the non-profit Share Our Strength, also wrote a piece on Steve Brady. The post can be viewed here.  

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