DE&I Insight: Sysco GB

Jess Latimer is the communications director at Sysco GB

Across Sysco, we’re creating a global culture that is decidedly diverse, equitable and inclusive. Every individual at Sysco contributes to our purpose, bringing a unique skillset and perspective to their work each day. Simply put, we’re better together. That’s why we’re working hard to foster a culture of belonging that enables us to care for one another and connect the world through food and trusted partnerships.

At Sysco GB, we’ve created a strategy across the business that underpins everything we do:

Communications and engagement

• Cultivate a culture that encourages and celebrates collaboration, flexibility and fairness to enable everyone to contribute fully.

• Create the same working environment for all through leader role-modelling.

Employee relations

• Implement DE&I frameworks to support colleagues to meet our strategic and operational goals.

• Support global initiatives (e.g. code of conduct) to reflect who we are and what we stand for.

Learning and development

• Develop strategies to equip leaders to role-model DE&I, be accountable and measure results that support our commitment to inclusion.

• Build a talent pipeline that supports development and the future diverse structure of the organisation.

Recruitment

• Recruit from a diverse group of potential internal and external applicants to secure a high-performing workforce drawn from all segments of our society.

In addition, we’ve introduced 48 DE&I ambassadors. These are colleagues that act as influencers who support DE&I initiatives and activities with leaders and other colleagues at their locations and within their functions.

Colleague resource groups

Our growing network of colleague resource groups (CRG) below are helping raise awareness of the differing needs and experiences of our workforce, identifying barriers to inclusivity and equality, and helping us become a more inclusive place to work:

IMPACT (Influence. Mentor. Potential. Achieve. Collaborate. Transform.)

IMPACT is Sysco GB’s female-focused colleague resource group, which was launched in 2019 with a mission to create a forum for female colleagues to share their stories, support each other, inspire them to reach their goals and be advocates in driving a balanced workforce.

Spectrum (LGBTQ+)

Spectrum is one of our longest-established CRGs and continues to grow, with new members and activities. This year, the group undertook its first external initiative, sponsoring and supporting the inaugural Ashford Pride.

Spectrum creates a safe, open and supportive working environment and champions the rights of the LGBTQ+ community across Sysco with some big initiatives such as the installation of Progress Pride crossings at sites, as a permanent reminder of the importance of diversity in our daily lives.

MINDS (Mental Inclusivity and NeuroDiversity at Sysco)

MINDS exists to raise awareness of neurodiversity and helps individuals with specific needs. One in seven people are considered to be neurodivergent, meaning that their brain functions, learns and processes information differently. Just like how no two people are exactly the same, our brains also work in different ways. MINDS celebrates these differences and raises awareness that it’s okay to be different because each person’s brain is special and valuable.

Culture Club (ethnicity)

Our Culture Club CRG officially launched in April this year to create a safe and supporting space for colleagues from ethnic groups to share challenges, experiences and learning.

Among the initiatives we’ve implemented are the introduction of quiet/multi-faith rooms across eight of our sites, with a further eight planned. We’ve also held a colleague listening group to discuss culture/heritage and how the business can support our colleagues.