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Sodexo is recognised in the Championing an Ageing Workforce category for its Generations workstream and employee network, which has helped employees to understand the personal and professional needs and interests of different generations in the workplace.

The Responsible Business Awards is the most prestigious and respected awards programme championing responsible business in the UK and abroad. It celebrates inspirational companies taking action to address social and environmental issues and transform their communities.

The winners will be announced at Business in the Community’s Annual Responsible Business Gala Dinner in central London on 7 July.

Sodexo launched its Generations employee network last year using GenMatch, a specially-designed board game to help challenge generational stereotypes by getting teams to talk about differences in an informal way. More than 1,600 sets of the game were distributed to around 200 sites encouraging employees to  appreciate Sodexo’s diverse workforce and the opportunities and challenges this presents.

The network, which attracted more than 300 members in its first four months, has also organised a series of workshops and webinars covering ‘life stage’ matters such as managing childcare and being a carer.

The Generations programme has already helped Sodexo improve employee engagement across all age groups, but particularly among the 20-30 age group where there has been a five point increase.  This exceeds the target set for 2016.

Sean Haley, managing director of service operations for Sodexo UK and Ireland and executive sponsor of the Generations workstream, said: “The differences between generations can lead to misunderstanding and miscommunication but, in a workplace situation, if we raise awareness of those differences and harness people’s individuality, it can have a huge impact on the way we work together and help us perform better as a business. That is why we have launched the Generations network; to help us all better understand the people we work with and make us more effective."

Stephen Howard, Chief Executive, Business in the Community, said: “The Responsible Business Awards give much needed visibility to organsiations who are putting responsible behaviour at the heart of how they do business. The finalists are each playing their part to create a fairer society and more sustainable future by bringing to life the practical role that businesses can take to address some of our most pressing issues. We congratulate Sodexo for being an inspirational example for others to learn from.”