Sodexo has found that teams managed by a balanced mix of men and women are more successful across a range of measurements. The five-year, one-of-a-kind study of 70 entities across different functions represents 50,000 managers worldwide.
Operating margins, client satisfaction and employee retention, among other key performance indicators, were all higher among gender-balanced teams, meaning a ratio between 40% - 60% women to men.
Rohini Anand, Senior Vice President, Corporate Responsibility and Global Chief Diversity Officer at Sodexo said: “These results add a new, compelling dimension to a growing body of research that demonstrates the business benefits of gender equity.”
“The distinctive nature of the study, with its examination of both financial and non-financial performance indicators across so many levels of management and the pipeline to leadership, is a significant piece of the overall picture on importance of gender in the workforce for enhanced outcomes,” he continued.
Sodexo gender balance study key findings:
•Operating margins significantly increased among more gender-balanced teams than other teams.
•Gender-balanced entities had an average employee retention rate that was 8 percentage points higher than other entities.
•Gender-balanced entities had an average client retention rate that was 9 percentage points higher than other entities.
•Gender-balanced management reported an employee engagement rate that was 14 percentage points higher than other entities.
•Gender-balanced entities saw the number of accidents decrease by 12 percentage points more than other entities.
This unique Sodexo Gender Balance Study builds on previous internal and external research and amplifies Sodexo’s commitment to gender parity and an inclusive culture.
Sodexo, already a leader in diversity & inclusion, is breaking new ground in gender parity. Today, women represent 50% of our board. Thirty-two percent of senior leadership positions are held by women globally – a 6% increase at the very top levels since 2013. Middle management and site management positions are balanced at 46%. Currently, 59% of the total workforce works within gender-balanced management.
The company has committed to reach 40% women in senior leadership ranks by 2025 and has linked 10% of bonuses to this metric.
