The collaboration between the OKR Institute and Sodexo, a global leader in integrated food and facilities management services, focused on implementing Objective and Key Results (OKRs) sustainably across the organization. This initiative was aimed at enhancing strategic clarity, improving execution, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Sodexo faced several hurdles in embedding OKRs into its vast and diverse operations:

• Scalability and Adaptability: Given Sodexo’s global footprint and diverse service offerings, finding a one-size-fits-all OKR framework scalable and adaptable to various operational contexts was challenging.
• Engagement and Buy-In: Ensuring widespread engagement and buy-in from stakeholders across different levels and geographies of the organization was a significant hurdle.
• Sustainability of Practices: It was essential to develop a system that implemented OKRs and ensured their sustainability and integration into the corporate culture.

In response to these challenges, the OKR Institute devised a comprehensive strategy:

• Customized OKR Framework: Created a tailored OKR framework that could be adapted to the diverse needs of Sodexo’s global operations, ensuring scalability and relevance across different business units.
• Extensive Training and Coaching: Rolled out a global training program, complemented by targeted coaching sessions for leaders and teams, to foster a deep understanding of OKRs and secure organization-wide commitment.
• Cultural and Process Integration: Worked closely with Sodexo to integrate OKR practices into the company’s existing processes and cultural fabric, emphasizing continuous feedback, learning, and adaptation to ensure long-term sustainability.

The implementation of OKRs at Sodexo led to several key achievements:

• Strategic Alignment and Execution: Enhanced alignment between strategic objectives and operational activities, leading to more effective execution and progress tracking.
• Increased Engagement and Ownership: The comprehensive training and tailored approach to OKR implementation increased stakeholder engagement and ownership, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Sustainable OKR Practice: Sodexo successfully embedded OKRs into its organizational rhythm, establishing a sustainable practice that drives clarity, alignment, and performance improvement.