Sodexo Earns Distinction Among Canada’s 2017 Top Employers for Young People

Programs for recruiting and retaining young employees secure Sodexo a spot on the list
Jan 10, 2017 12:00 PM ET
Canada's Top Employers for Young People 2017 Award Logo

GAITHERSBURG, Md., January 10, 2017 /3BL Media/ - Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life services, today announced its recognition among winners of Canada’s 2017 Top Employers for Young People competition. Now in its 15th consecutive year, the competition recognizes employers that offer the nation’s best workplaces and programs for young people at the beginning of their careers. The full list of winners were announced this morning in a special magazine published nationally in The Globe and Mail.

Winners of the competition are chosen by the editorial team at the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project on the basis of the programs and initiatives they have to attract and retain younger workers. These include benefits such as tuition assistance and the availability of co-op or work-study programs. The editors also examine each employer’s mentorship and training programs, including benefits such as bonuses paid when employees complete certain courses or professional designations. They review each employer’s career management programs, looking for initiatives that can assist younger workers advance faster in the organization. Lastly, the editors consider the average age of employees at each employer to assess the composition and profile of their workforce.

“Making your organization a good place for young people to start their careers is about more than simply appearing trendy or hip,” says Kristina Leung, senior editor of the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project at Mediacorp Canada Inc., which publishes the competition. “It shows all your employees and customers that you are open to change. Employers that understand their youngest workers have the most success in adapting their business models to respond to changing technologies and consumer preferences.”

Chief among the reasons for achieving this distinction:

  • Sodexo Canada manages the Sharing Across Generation networking group, which organizes activities designed to help multiple generations in the workplace forge connections – and also offers training on topics such as multigenerational management and engagement
  • Sodexo Canada's "Rising Stars" program, offers paid internships and co-op placements, and hires promising participants into full-time entry-level management positions – young hires are paired with a "hosting manager" who will prepare them for their new roles and help them understand the company's mission and values
  • Sodexo Canada established the "IMPACT" mentoring program, a 12-month initiative to help develop high-potential employees who have a minimum of 12-months of service

Sodexo delivers more than 100 services across North America that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life. The Fortune Global 500 company is a leader in delivering sustainable, integrated facilities management and foodservice operations.

Learn more about Sodexo at its corporate blog, Sodexo Insights.

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