Today was a perfect example of getting some context in terms of what our industry, the hospitality industry is all about, and what it is certainly not all about.
We receive and seek out a significant volume of news every day to be considered for publication, and it is a diverse mix, today two such items were polar opposites.
One showed how some people unfortunately lack any consideration for others or perception of their difficulties. The other showed how a multi-billion company in our industry has thrived from placing social values and inclusion at the heart of its business.
The first example referred to as a ‘lack and consideration for others’ could equally be described as cruel and intentionally so. This is the article – BBC broadcaster calls for NHS cost savings through allowing obese people to die.
An hour later we received this – Director of Social Impact appointed at Sodexo.
The first is not about hospitality directly as such but touches on an issue that the hospitality industry is part of and has some level of responsibility in facing alongside others.
The second shows how Sodexo have placed inclusion and social values as central to its strategy.
Diversity and inclusion are the cornerstone of the Sodexo culture and a fundamental component of their overall growth strategy. Sodexo creates healthy work environments for their employees, so they can bring their whole selves to work regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, age, or ethnicity.
Sodexo’s local partnerships contribute to the social fabric of the communities, regions and countries they operate in. They actively seek to bring diverse businesses into their network of suppliers, including minority-owned, women-owned, disabled-owned or LGBT-owned companies.
Sodexo’s commitment to social values was underpinned today by the appointment of Angela Halliday as Director of Social Impact.
In her new role, Halliday will work with Sodexo’s CEOs being responsible for delivering services to the public sector, the organisation’s Executive Board and its Public Sector Board to embed a social value approach across the UK & Ireland region. The role will involve ensuring organisational governance and reporting on the social value Sodexo is delivering within its contracts.
The world can be poles apart at times, it’s good to see hospitality at the right end of the spectrum.