Creating a Culture Where Everyone Can Belong

What attracted you to the role and what were your first impressions of the business?

What attracted me was the chance to work on something that sits at the heart of business success – people.

Sodexo delivers essential services every day, and the experience colleagues have at work directly impacts the experience we create for clients and customers.

That's why Culture & Belonging is so important. When people feel valued, included and connected to purpose, they're more likely to perform, develop and stay.

I see my role as helping create the conditions where everyone can do their best work and fulfil their potential.

What stood out to me about Sodexo was both its scale and its ambition to be an employer of choice, creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to belong, act and thrive.

People often talk about culture, but what does a great workplace culture actually look and feel like to you?

For me, a great culture is one where people feel safe to be themselves, valued for who they are and confident that they can succeed.

It feels inclusive, supportive and fair.

People have a voice, different perspectives are welcomed and everyone understands how their contribution connects to a bigger purpose.

When belonging is strong, people don't just come to work, they feel part of something.

If I can play even a small part in creating that feeling for others, then I know I'm doing meaningful work.

Earlier this year we were named Employer of the Year at the British Business Awards. From what you've seen so far, what do you think sets Sodexo apart as an employer?

What stands out is that Culture & Belonging isn't treated as a standalone piece of work.

It's woven into the way the business thinks about people, leadership, learning and opportunity.

I've been particularly impressed by the breadth of initiatives and the genuine commitment to creating opportunities for colleagues from all walks of life.

The award feels like recognition of years of consistent effort by thousands of colleagues, rather than a single achievement.

What role do leaders and managers play in creating a culture where people feel they belong?

Leaders and managers have an enormous influence because culture is often experienced through everyday interactions.

The best leaders create trust, listen with empathy and make sure everyone feels seen, heard and valued.

Inclusion isn't just about policies.

It's about how people are treated day to day.

Small actions from managers can have a huge impact on someone's sense of belonging.

Every colleague can influence workplace culture. What's one thing we can all do that makes the biggest difference?

Be curious.

Take time to listen to experiences that might be different from your own and be open to learning something new.

Belonging grows when people feel genuinely heard and included, and every one of us can help create that feeling through the way we interact with others.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about helping shape Sodexo's culture?

What excites me is the opportunity to build on strong foundations and continue creating an environment where everyone can achieve their potential.

I'm particularly passionate about helping ensure opportunity is accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance.

When people feel they belong and have the chance to thrive, the impact is incredible for individuals, teams and the business.

Inclusion has always been deeply important to me, both professionally and personally.

I've seen how much difference it makes when people are given the understanding, support and opportunity to be themselves and succeed.

If someone was considering joining Sodexo today, what would you want them to know?

I'd want them to know that Sodexo is a place where people matter.

It's an organisation with a strong sense of purpose, where you'll find opportunities to grow, contribute and make a positive impact.

You'll be joining a business that is committed to creating opportunities for everyone and where people are encouraged to develop, grow and be recognised for the unique perspective and experience they bring.

Building on Strong Foundations

Winning Employer of the Year is an incredible achievement, but it's not a finish line.

Every day we're continuing to listen, learn and evolve so that Sodexo remains a place where people can belong, develop and thrive.

As Rachael says, culture isn't created through one policy or one programme.

It's built through everyday actions, conversations and opportunities that help people feel valued, supported and able to succeed.

Tomorrow we'll continue our behind-the-scenes series with another story exploring what it really takes to become an Employer of the Year.