Speak Up For Ethical Business Practices During Responsible Business Week and Beyond
“If you see something, say something.”
How often do you come across situations where you know something is not quite right and makes you feel uncomfortable, but you choose to let it go? An inappropriate joke or gesture in the workplace, a colleague too close to vendors, a close family member of a colleague chosen as a supplier, or colleagues leaving their laptops unattended and unlocked. These are just a few instances.
At Sodexo, we are taking a stand and conducting business responsibly. This December, Sodexo marks its Responsible Business Week—a program of events promoting ethics and compliance in the workplace, with a focus on four important themes: corruption, workplace respect, conflicts of interest, and data protection. The week reinforces Sodexo’s commitment to building a culture where all employees are empowered to act with integrity.
At the core of this initiative is the Speak Up Ethics Line—a confidential tool for all employees to use that encourages responsibility and accountability in all business practices.
The Foundation of Responsible Business Conduct
Being a trusted business partner and employer of choice begins with demonstrating integrity in daily actions. At Sodexo, responsible business conduct involves:
- Acting with integrity, respect, and transparency.
- Treating colleagues and partners fairly.
- Competing and operating within all legal and ethical standards.
These principles, outlined in Sodexo’s updated Code of Conduct, guide employees in making sound decisions. In moments of uncertainty, employees are encouraged to seek advice before taking action or to report their concerns. All encapsulated under the phrase: “If you see something, say something.”
The Speak Up Ethics Line
The Speak Up Ethics Line provides employees and partners with a safe, confidential platform to report behaviours or activities that breach Sodexo’s Code of Conduct or the law. Operated by an independent third party, this service is available 24/7 in multiple languages to ensure inclusivity and confidence for all users.
Employees can use the Speak Up website or their country’s dedicated phone line to report issues, supported by HR representatives, managers, or other staff champions if required.
Key features of the Speak Up Ethics Line include:
- Confidentiality: Ensuring concerns are handled with discretion.
- Non-retaliation: Protecting individuals who raise genuine concerns.
- Thorough Investigations: Addressing reports promptly and effectively.
Ethical Leaders
Managers are instrumental in the success of Responsible Business Week. Their role includes:
- Introducing the programme and its importance to their teams.
- Sharing resources like the Speak Up Ethics Line and the updated Code of Conduct.
- Facilitating open conversations about ethical practices, using real-life examples to inspire discussion.
A Culture Worth Celebrating
Sodexo’s focus on cultivating an ethical workplace is already yielding positive results. According to the latest employee engagement survey, 84.3% of employees feel comfortable reporting unethical conduct—a 5.2-point improvement from the previous year.
Such achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, Sodexo was recognised as one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies,” an achievement that reflects its ongoing commitment to transparency and integrity. Responsible Business Week continues to build on this foundation, ensuring that ethics remain at the heart of the organisation’s culture.
The Movement Towards Ethical Leadership
Responsible Business Week represents Sodexo’s pledge to uphold a workplace rooted in integrity, respect, and transparency. Through open communication and tools like the Speak Up Ethics Line, Sodexo empowers employees and partners to address misconduct and champion ethical practices.
Ethical behaviour in the workplace builds trust, strengthens relationships, and lays the foundation for long-term success. By embracing these values, we want to contribute to a safer and more equitable future for all.