Our people are at the heart of who we are and what we do. As new waves of lockdowns and restrictions were imposed and relaxed across our markets the resilience and dedication of our people has been extraordinary and has proven to be a vital ingredient in our success this year.
It is a testament to them that despite unprecedented operational challenges, they have continued to serve our clients, consumers and communities with passion, creativity and care, whilst maintaining an unwavering focus on health and safety.
We work hard to build an open culture in which our people can thrive, feeling safe and valued for who they are and what they bring to Compass.
Awards and recognition
Open to all
We believe that diversity of thought, experience and background at every level makes us a better business. We are committed to hiring, developing and retaining diverse talent which reflects the communities in which we live and work. The Group takes a holistic approach to ensure people feel welcome and are treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their background, including but not limited to race, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, disability, belief or experience. We are also active members and signatories of Women in Hospitality, Travel and Leisure (WiHTL), 30% Club, UN Global Compact: Target Gender Equality Accelerator Programme, Race at Work Charter and Valuable 500.
Preparing our people
Personal skills and career growth are Compass commitments. We want everyone to have the opportunity to develop their skills. Over the last 12 months we have launched virtual training and development programmes using the new digital capabilities embraced during the pandemic. The new methods of delivery have added engaging, interactive solutions to our broad portfolio of Learning and Development offers.
Engaging our people
As our people are at the centre of our business, it is crucial that they have a voice in the way we operate. Their meaningful engagement enables our business and their experiences to continue to improve.
Listening to what our colleagues have to say and making changes to improve their experience is one way we can positively impact them and their families. We have a structured approach to delivering our ambition to create truly inclusive workplaces, which is based on continuous listening, gathering insights, taking action and proactive communications.
CASE STUDIES
Leadership, talent and skills for growth
Personal skills and career growth are Compass commitments. We want everyone to have the opportunity to develop their skills. Here's some examples of how we have been bringing this to life throughout 2021:
- Australia: Invested AU$1m in the Compass Leadership Academy, where learning experts support the development of leaders throughout the business with a series of programmes including Induction; Stepping Up; Management Essentials; and Coaching and Leadership.
- USA: Launched a digital module on COVID-19 training which enabled the business to reach over 140,000 employees quickly and with consistent standards on health and safety protocols
- UK & Ireland: Introduced landmark culinary programme in collaboration with esteemed chef Marcus Wareing designed to build skills, grow knowledge and expand imagination. The business also launched the Compass Academy to train and develop future workers in the hospitality sector. The Academy will be housed in a state-of-the-art facility near areas of low socioeconomic growth, offering onsite and online training in a range of skills applicable to the food service industry
Our diverse talent is our strength
Creating an environment where colleagues are welcomed and can be themselves, feel they belong and fulfil their potential puts us one step ahead:
Australia:
- The business is proud to support the Clontarf and Wirrpanda Foundations, providing Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Australians with opportunities for work experience, training and employment.
- 47 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses provide goods and services to operations across the country.
- The business exceeded its target of placing 1,050 new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander jobseekers into employment for its Commonwealth Indigenous Employment Parity Initiative Project, achieving 1,879 placements.
- In June 2021 the business unveiled The Academy; a training centre designed to upskill 3,500 existing and new employees. It aims to change and improve the resident experience in remote resource camps. Further Academies are to be opened across Australia in the coming year.
Canada:
- As a patron member of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, Compass Group Canada continues to demonstrate leadership in supporting Aboriginal economic and business development initiatives throughout Canada.
- In 2021 ESS Support Services Worldwide maintained Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Program – Gold PAR Level Achievement, in recognition of strategic engagement with Aboriginal businesses and communities.
- ESS has invested over $1.2m(CDN) in subcontracting opportunities with Indigenous businesses in 2021.
- 1,068 ESS associates completed the Indigenous Awareness Training course in 2021.
USA:
- Same Day Pay - a new benefit enabling colleagues to access 50% of earned wages in advance of payday, helping them to manage their finances more effectively
- Over the last 12 months the business has invested in expanding Thompson Hospitality’s Navigate internship programme which serves children in underprivileged communities. This is an established part of the business’s commitment to DE&I, positioning Compass US as an industry leader.
- Surveyed its people on the topic of Diversity and Inclusion and shared detailed insights with each of its sectors. As a result, each sector has now formed action plans to attract and develop ethnically diverse talent, this has already led to 3% increase in promotion rates amongst ethnically diverse employees.
UK & Ireland:
- Compass in the UK is a Living Wage service provider as recognised by the Living Wage Foundation. This means that the business pays all its direct workers (those not on client contracts) the Real Living Wage (RLW) or above. In conjunction with the Living Wage Foundation the business has held both client and supplier events to advocate for RLW across the industry.
- Launched a new ambassador programme, Within, which aims to promote cultural diversity in a work environment, sharing best practice and inspiring others to make inclusion a reality.
- Implemented a Dignity at Work Policy to promote positive behaviours in the workplace and have trained 51,000 colleagues since 2019.
- During Pride month The Pride in Food network held a dedicated session on the correct use of personal pronouns.
“Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is an essential factor: global and societal movements have pushed it to the forefront for employees, customers, clients and investors. It touches every part of our business, from the way we recruit and retain talent, to our supply chain and the communities in which we operate. At Compass, our diverse talent is our strength, and we are committed to creating lifelong careers and opportunities so that they can flourish.”
Sabina Khanom, Group Head of Diversity & Inclusion
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