Sodexo Flexible Working Case Studies Version June 29th

part-time
Inclusion
Compressed hours
job sharing
Relocation
Annualised hours
FLEXIBLE WORKING
ChildcareReligion
Education & Training
Sport
Hobbies
Volunteering
Work Life balance
Elderly Care
Staged retirementFlexitime
Working from home
Flexible hours
Flexible locationFamily & Friends
Staggered Hours
Job Share
Telecommuting
Term timeTrust
Communication
OUTPUT
Objectives
Organised
Responsible
FlexibilityDIVERSITY
Flexible Working
Case Studies
from around the world
Engagement
Retention
talent

Introduction
3 Welcome from Jane Bristow, flexibility work stream lead for SwiFt
Flexible working case studies
4 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 managers
26 The manager’s perspective
Contents
2 3
Introduction
and welcome
A
t 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
Arevalo
Food 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 Brainch
Diversity 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.
About me and
my role
“
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 Dixon
Retail 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.
About me and
my role
“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
Flamisch
Manager, 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.
About me and
my role
“Open
communication
is the key to my
flexible work
arrangement.
I ensure my
manager and my
team are all on
the same page.
“
7

Peter Gems
Executive 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.
About me and
my role
“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 Hooper
Workplace 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.
About me and
my role
“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
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.
About me and
my role
“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 Jones
Quality, health,
safety & environment
executive
Based in the UK
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 McArthur
Training 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.
About me and
my role
“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 Love
General 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.
About me and
my role
“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 Meehan
Assistant 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.
About me and
my role
“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 McIntyre
HR 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.
About me and
my role
“Keep customer
and business
needs forefront,
utilize technology
and prioritize in
order to maintain
balance and
know when to
‘turn it off’.
“
14

Bo Mijs
Legal 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.
About me and
my role
“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 Musannif
HR 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.
About me and
“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 Openshaw
Head 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.
About me and
my role
“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 Oliver
HR 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.
About me and
my role
“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 Roberts
Cook
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.
About me and
my role
“It is all about
being flexible-
both parties
need to be
understanding.
“
21
Audrey Park
Director 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.
About me and
my role
“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 Shields
Integration 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.
About me and
my role
“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
Rodriguez
Dining 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.
About me and
my role
“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 Spurgin
General 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.
About me and
my role
“Ensure you
plot out your
days targets
when working
from home.
“
Australia
24
Ing Tsay
Senior 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.
About me and
“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
25

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
26
“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
27

©2012 Sodexo Holdings Limited
No. 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

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