Sodexo Named 2017 Military Friendly Employer for Its Recruitment, Hiring and Development of Veterans

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Nov. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life Services, announced recognition by Victory Media as one of its 2017 Military Friendly® Employers. The annual list recognizes companies with leading programs for veterans, members of the Armed Forces leaving military service and military spouses.

Victory Media has led the industry as a ratings entity for over a decade, surveying thousands of institutions and assembling lists that capture best practices in recruitment and retention of military employees, students and franchisees. The program has been instrumental in the development of corporate and college military recruiting programs.

"As the nation's largest federal foodservice contractor and partner to both the United States Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force, we recognized that we had an opportunity to improve the quality of life for our country's veterans by helping them thrive in their post-military careers," said David Scanlan, CEO, Sodexo Government, North America. "To accomplish this, Sodexo offers mentoring initiatives, innovative programs, information sharing and community involvement, that employs and harnesses the enormous potential and experience of our retired military population."

To help veterans prosper in its workforce and beyond, Sodexo actively raises funds and awareness for veterans, provides veterans with employment opportunities, and trains veterans to be better prepared for their futures. One of its more recent efforts included a partnership with Volunteers of America, where Sodexo launched a collection of resources specifically designed to support veterans who may be transitioning to the civilian workforce or seeking to enhance their active duty career opportunities.

Sodexo Programs and Initiatives for Veterans
Each year, Sodexo's RED Friday Initiative shows support for veterans and this year it included a special month-long promotion that raised funds for the Armed Services YMCA. RED stands for "Remember Everyone Deployed." Sodexo team members wear red to show support and solidarity for veterans and through special promotions they raise money for Veteran causes. 

Sodexo proudly hires veterans, not only to help them transition back to civilian life, but also because veterans, using the skills they learned in the military, are invaluable team members. In 2016, Sodexo was recognized for the eighth consecutive year as a Top 100 Military Friendly Employer by the GI Jobs List.

Training is a vital aspect of veterans returning to civilian life, and one way that Sodexo facilitates it is through the Well Seasoned Culinary Training program. Well Seasoned provides training for senior level enlisted Marines who are getting ready to transition out of the Marine Corps. Through this three-day training session, Sodexo executive chefs, culinary professionals and other subject matter experts meet with the cooks to help them prepare for a food-focused job in a civilian setting.

All Sodexo employees who are veterans can join the company's Employee Business Resource Group, HONOR, whose mission is to provide support, guidance and resources to employees and families connected to the military. HONOR accomplishes this by offering development opportunities, providing a forum to recognize and celebrate contributions made to our country, and establishing partnerships with community groups that support veterans, active duty, National Guard and military reserve.

As a result of these efforts and many others, Sodexo earned recognition on Victory Media's list of 2017 Military Friendly® Employers. In assessing those named to the list, Victory Media establishes a standard definition of what it means for an employer or institution to be Military Friendly®. It measures how well a company's or institution's military recruiting program does in three primary areas:

• Engages the prospective military student or employee in a recruiting environment
• Educates the military student or employee once he or she is part of the company or school
• Employs the military student or employee in meaningful employment

With more than 40 years of experience working municipal, state, federal and military clients, Sodexo's Government segment and its nearly 3,000 employees improve the Quality of Life for the people it serves at 150 military and U.S. Federal Government locations in 26 states. Headquartered in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Sodexo provides a variety of integrated food and facilities management solutions and is the nation's largest federal foodservice contractor – serving 45.6 million meals annually with a focus on wellness and nutrition.

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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