Quick Answer

Yes, Sodexo hires people with felony convictions case-by-case. As one of the world's largest food services and facilities management companies operating at 13,000+ locations across North America, Sodexo offers highly accessible employment:

• Food Service Worker: $14-21/hour (cafeteria service, food prep, kitchen operations)

• Cook / Culinary Worker: $16-25/hour (meal preparation, cooking, line cook positions)

• Dishwasher / Utility Worker: $14-19/hour (dishwashing, kitchen cleaning, sanitation)

• Facilities Services Worker: $17-26/hour (custodial, maintenance, housekeeping)

• Career Path: Dishwasher → Cook → Supervisor ($40k-$65k/year)

  
  

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Sodexo

3. Does Sodexo Hire People with Felonies?

4. Sodexo Jobs for People with Felonies (2026)

5. Sodexo Background Check: What to Expect

6. How to Get Hired at Sodexo with a Felony (Step-by-Step)

7. Frequently Asked Questions

8. Similar Food Service & Facilities Management Companies

9. Final Thoughts

About Sodexo

Sodexo operates as one of the world's largest food services and integrated facilities management companies with operations at 13,000+ client locations across North America including corporate dining, healthcare food services (hospitals, senior living), education dining (K-12, colleges/universities), government and remote sites, sports and leisure venues, and facilities management services, employing approximately 160,000 workers in the United States. Sodexo provides food services, housekeeping, facilities maintenance, grounds keeping, and integrated services. As a massive food and facilities services provider, Sodexo offers exceptionally accessible employment for people with criminal records due to constant high-volume hiring needs across thousands of locations, behind-the-scenes food preparation and facilities work, entry-level positions requiring no experience, high turnover in food service and facilities industries creating continuous openings, case-by-case hiring evaluation, diverse worksites from corporate campuses to hospitals to universities, multiple service divisions (food, facilities, integrated), and clear advancement from entry-level to supervisor over 2-5 years in 2025.

Why Sodexo Is HIGHLY Accessible for Felons:

1. MASSIVE hiring volume - 160,000 employees, thousands hired monthly nationwide

2. 13,000+ locations - Apply to multiple Sodexo client sites across regions

3. Behind-the-scenes work - Kitchen food prep, dishwashing, custodial, maintenance

4. Entry-level accessible - Dishwasher, food service, custodian require no experience

5. High turnover - Food service 50-100% annual turnover, facilities 30-50%, constant openings

6. Multiple service lines - Food services, facilities management, healthcare, education, corporate

7. Case-by-case evaluation - Individual assessment, not automatic rejection

8. Career advancement - Clear path from dishwasher to cook to supervisor

9. Healthcare and education - Stable long-term client contracts at hospitals and universities

10. Part-time and full-time - Flexible scheduling accommodates various needs

Does Sodexo Hire People with Felonies?

Sodexo Hiring Approach (2025): Sodexo evaluates applicants with criminal records case-by-case following food services and facilities management industry standards that prioritize reliability, work ethic, customer service (appropriate to environment), and safety consciousness over criminal backgrounds for most positions. Sodexo faces constant hiring needs across 13,000+ client locations with high turnover typical in food service and facilities industries creating accessible employment. Site managers and service directors have significant hiring discretion, particularly for entry-level dishwasher, food service, custodial, and facilities positions. Healthcare facilities (hospitals, senior living) may conduct more thorough background checks due to vulnerable populations but still hire case-by-case. Education sites (K-12 schools, universities) may have enhanced background scrutiny especially for positions with student contact. Government and secure facilities may require specific clearances. Many people with various felonies work successfully at Sodexo across all service lines and divisions—company values reliability, punctuality, work quality, and willingness to work various shifts. Violence and sex offenses face most scrutiny, especially at healthcare and education sites in 2025.

What Sodexo Considers:

• Position type and worksite (back-of-house kitchen vs front-line service, healthcare vs corporate, custodial vs food)

• Time since conviction (1-3+ years better but flexible due to hiring volume)

• Nature of conviction (theft with cash/inventory access scrutinized, sex offenses at schools problematic)

• Reliability and attendance record (critical in service operations)

• Willingness to work various shifts (early morning custodial, evening food service, weekends)

• Certifications or willingness to obtain (food handler, OSHA safety for facilities)

• Client-specific requirements (hospitals, schools, government sites may have enhanced checks)

• Service line (food services, facilities management, integrated services)

Most Accessible Sodexo Positions: Dishwasher, Utility Worker, Food Service Worker, Custodian, Groundskeeper, Kitchen Assistant, Housekeeping Aide, Cafeteria Worker

What Convictions Are Widely Accepted: Non-violent felonies (widely acceptable for back-of-house positions), drug convictions if clean now (varies by site drug testing requirements), property crimes, assault depending on circumstances (case-by-case), DUI/traffic violations (not driving positions), probation violations, older convictions with rehabilitation

What Faces Scrutiny: Theft (food service inventory, facilities equipment access, cash handling), violence (team environment, kitchen with equipment), sex offenses (especially healthcare and education sites with vulnerable populations or students), recent convictions within 6-12 months, active warrants, extreme cases

Sodexo Application Strategy: Apply at sodexousa.com/careers. Target Dishwasher, Custodian, or Food Service Worker (most accessible entry requiring no experience). Apply to multiple Sodexo client locations and service lines (food, facilities, healthcare, education, corporate). Emphasize reliability, willingness to work any shift, and safety consciousness. Food service and facilities high turnover means constant hiring—apply frequently if initially unsuccessful. Start in back-of-house positions (dishwasher, custodian) which face least background scrutiny. Consider facilities services if food service doesn't work—custodial and groundskeeping also very accessible.

Sodexo Jobs for People with Felonies (2026)

1. Dishwasher / Utility Worker

   Pay: $14-19/hour ($29,000-$40,000/year)

   Working in Sodexo commercial kitchens at client sites operating industrial dishwashing machines, washing dishes, pots, pans, cooking equipment, and utensils, maintaining kitchen cleanliness and sanitation standards, supporting kitchen operations with cleaning and utility work, taking out trash and organizing recycling, mopping floors and cleaning work areas, following food safety and sanitation procedures, working at corporate, healthcare, education, or other client sites.

   
   

   Why MOST Accessible: Entry-level position requiring ZERO experience or skills, straightforward dishwashing and cleaning work, behind-the-scenes back-of-house kitchen operations, minimal customer interaction, physically straightforward repetitive work, food service constantly needs dishwashers (highest turnover position industry-wide), prove reliability over 6-12 months to advance to food prep or cook positions earning $16-25/hour, easiest Sodexo entry point for people with criminal records, available at virtually all 13,000+ Sodexo food service locations.

   
   

2. Food Service Worker / Cafeteria Attendant

   Pay: $14-21/hour ($29,000-$44,000/year)

   Working in Sodexo cafeterias and dining facilities serving food to customers at serving lines and stations, operating food service counters, restocking food displays and supplies, maintaining service area cleanliness and organization, assisting customers with menu selections and questions, cash register operation at some locations, following food safety and portion control procedures, working breakfast, lunch, and dinner meal periods at corporate, hospital, university, or government cafeterias.

   
   

   Why Highly Accessible: Entry-level food service position with minimal requirements, behind-the-scenes and front-line cafeteria service (institutional dining—corporate, healthcare, education—not public restaurant), straightforward serving and customer service work, food service skills developed through Sodexo on-job training, high hiring volume across thousands of Sodexo cafeteria locations nationwide, advance to lead server or food service supervisor with experience, customer interaction with professional adults in B2B/institutional environments.

   
   

3. Cook / Culinary Worker

   Pay: $16-25/hour ($33,000-$52,000/year)

   Cooking meals for Sodexo dining operations following standardized recipes and culinary procedures, operating commercial kitchen equipment (ovens, grills, fryers, steamers, kettles), preparing hot entrees, vegetables, sides, and meal components, ensuring food quality, presentation, and temperature standards, following food safety and sanitation regulations, coordinating with kitchen team on meal production timing, working various kitchen stations, preparing special dietary meals at healthcare facilities.

   
   

   Requirements: Cooking experience helpful but Sodexo provides comprehensive training, food handler certification (obtained through Sodexo or employer), ability to work in hot fast-paced kitchen environment, culinary skills development.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Core food service position with advancement from food prep or entry-level dishwasher, cooking skills developed through Sodexo culinary training programs and on-job experience, behind-the-scenes kitchen cooking operations, higher pay than entry positions ($16-25/hour vs $14-19/hour), critical to dining operations quality, advance to lead cook, sous chef, or executive chef positions with experience and culinary development, case-by-case evaluation with cooking ability and reliability prioritized over background.

   
   

4. Custodian / Janitor

   Pay: $15-22/hour ($31,000-$46,000/year)

   Working in Sodexo facilities management providing custodial services at client sites including corporate offices, hospitals, universities, government buildings, cleaning and maintaining facilities, vacuuming and mopping floors, cleaning restrooms and common areas, emptying trash and waste, restocking supplies, following cleaning schedules and procedures, operating commercial cleaning equipment, working various shifts including overnight.

   
   

   Why Highly Accessible: NO food service experience required (alternative pathway into Sodexo), behind-the-scenes custodial and cleaning work, minimal customer interaction, straightforward cleaning procedures and tasks, facilities management separate from food services with own hiring (apply to both), overnight and early morning custodial shifts often most accessible (less competition, shift differential pay), prove reliability to advance to facilities lead or supervisor, very accessible entry for people with criminal records.

   
   

5. Food Prep Worker / Kitchen Assistant

   
   

   Pay: $15-21/hour ($31,000-$44,000/year)

   Working in Sodexo kitchens preparing ingredients for cooking operations, chopping vegetables, fruits, and ingredients, measuring and portioning recipe components, preparing salads, sandwiches, and cold menu items, following preparation procedures and recipes, maintaining prep area cleanliness and food safety standards, supporting cooks with meal production, learning basic cooking techniques and culinary skills, rotating between prep stations.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Back-of-house kitchen preparation work, behind-the-scenes food prep operations, minimal customer interaction, food preparation skills learned on job through Sodexo training and mentorship, gateway to cook positions earning $16-25/hour, prove knife skills and reliability to advance within 6-12 months, straightforward repetitive preparation tasks, available at all Sodexo food service locations.

   
   

6. Housekeeping Aide (Healthcare)

   Pay: $15-21/hour ($31,000-$44,000/year)

   Working at Sodexo healthcare facility clients (hospitals, senior living, medical centers) providing housekeeping services, cleaning patient rooms and common areas, following healthcare sanitation and infection control procedures, restocking supplies and linens, maintaining cleanliness standards for healthcare environment, working with healthcare staff, following OSHA and healthcare safety regulations.

   
   

   Requirements: Healthcare housekeeping training provided by Sodexo, attention to infection control procedures, customer service with patients and healthcare professionals.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Healthcare facilities management separate hiring from food services (apply to both divisions), behind-the-scenes housekeeping and cleaning work in hospitals, straightforward cleaning following healthcare protocols, essential healthcare support role (hospitals operate 24/7 year-round), stable long-term employment at healthcare facilities, advance to housekeeping supervisor or facilities coordinator, case-by-case evaluation (healthcare may have enhanced background checks but still hires with records for environmental services).

   
   

7. Groundskeeper / Landscape Worker

   Pay: $16-24/hour ($33,000-$50,000/year)

   Working in Sodexo facilities management providing groundskeeping and landscape maintenance at client sites including corporate campuses, universities, healthcare facilities, mowing lawns and maintaining grounds, trimming shrubs and trees, planting flowers and landscaping, operating lawn equipment and power tools, snow removal in winter months at some locations, maintaining outdoor facilities appearance and safety.

   
   

   Requirements: Outdoor physical work capability, lawn equipment operation (training provided), willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Outdoor facilities maintenance work (different from food service and custodial—additional pathway), behind-the-scenes groundskeeping operations, straightforward lawn and landscape work, seasonal work at some locations (spring/summer focus, winter snow removal), physical outdoor work reduces applicant competition, prove reliability to advance to grounds supervisor or landscape coordinator, case-by-case evaluation with outdoor work skills valued.

   
   

8. Facilities Maintenance Technician

   Pay: $18-28/hour ($37,000-$58,000/year)

   Working in Sodexo facilities management maintaining building systems and equipment at client sites, performing minor repairs and maintenance, HVAC filter changes and basic system maintenance, plumbing repairs and troubleshooting, electrical basic repairs (light bulbs, switches, outlets), painting and drywall repairs, responding to maintenance work orders, ensuring facilities operate safely and efficiently.

   
   

   Requirements: General maintenance skills, basic electrical and plumbing knowledge (training provided), ability to use hand and power tools, problem-solving and troubleshooting ability.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Facilities maintenance separate from food services (alternative Sodexo pathway), behind-the-scenes building maintenance work, maintenance skills developed through on-job training and apprenticeship, essential to facilities operations at all Sodexo client sites, higher pay than entry positions ($18-28/hour), advance to lead technician or facilities manager with experience, case-by-case evaluation with technical skills prioritized, many facilities maintenance workers have criminal records and successful careers.

   
   

9. Barista / Retail Food Worker

   Pay: $14-20/hour ($29,000-$42,000/year) + tips at some locations

   Operating Sodexo coffee bars, cafes, and retail food outlets at client sites (corporate offices, hospitals, universities), preparing coffee drinks and specialty beverages, serving grab-and-go food items and snacks, operating cash register and point-of-sale systems, maintaining coffee bar and retail area cleanliness and stock, customer service with employees, patients, students, or visitors, following food safety and cash handling procedures.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Front-line beverage and retail service in institutional settings (corporate, healthcare, education—not public coffee shop), coffee and retail skills learned through Sodexo training, straightforward beverage preparation and customer service, customer interaction with professional adult customers or institutional populations, advance to cafe supervisor or food service coordinator, case-by-case evaluation with customer service skills emphasized, tips supplement hourly wage at some locations.

   
   

10. Food Service Supervisor / Dining Manager

    Pay: $19-30/hour ($40,000-$62,000/year)

    Supervising Sodexo food service staff and daily dining operations at client sites, managing meal service schedules and production, training and developing food service employees, ensuring food safety compliance and quality standards, handling customer concerns and escalations, coordinating with client management on dining services, reporting on operations performance and financial metrics, overseeing 5-30 food service staff depending on facility size, budget management.

    
    

    Requirements: Typically 2-4 years Sodexo food service experience, proven reliability and leadership capability, knowledge of food safety regulations and service operations, promoted from cook, lead server, or food service worker positions, ServSafe Manager certification.

    
    

    Why Accessible: Sodexo promotes from within extensively regardless of criminal background, many food service supervisors and dining managers started as dishwashers with criminal records and proved reliability and leadership over 2-4 years, performance and operational excellence determine advancement not background, supervising institutional food service operations in corporate, healthcare, education, or other settings, significant career advancement opportunity with management responsibility and higher compensation, criminal record does NOT prevent supervisory promotion with strong performance track record.

Sodexo Background Check: What to Expect

Background Check Process (2025): Sodexo conducts background checks after conditional job offer with policies varying by service line (food services, facilities management), division, and client site requirements. Background checks typically review 7-year criminal history (state-dependent). Healthcare sites (hospitals, senior living) may conduct more comprehensive checks due to vulnerable patient populations. Education sites (K-12 schools, universities) often require enhanced background checks including fingerprinting and sex offender registry for positions with potential student contact. Government and secure facilities may require clearances. Corporate sites generally most flexible. Sodexo evaluates case-by-case considering time elapsed, nature of conviction, position requirements, and worksite. High-volume hiring across 13,000+ locations and high turnover creates accessible evaluation culture.

Timeline: 3-7 days typical for food service and facilities positions. Healthcare and education sites may take 7-14 days for enhanced background checks and clearances.

What May Disqualify: Sex offenses (especially education and healthcare sites with vulnerable populations or students—may be automatic disqualification for specific worksites), violence (team environment, kitchen with equipment, facilities access), recent theft (food service inventory, facilities equipment, cash handling), active warrants, positions requiring specific security clearances at government or secure facilities

Client Site-Specific Considerations:

• Corporate Sites: Generally most flexible evaluation, case-by-case standard

• Healthcare (Hospitals, Senior Living): Enhanced background checks required, but still hires case-by-case for environmental services (housekeeping, dietary)

• Education (K-12 Schools): Most restrictive background requirements (fingerprinting, sex offender checks, working with children clearances), universities more flexible

• Government Facilities: May require security clearances, facility-specific background requirements

• Sports/Leisure Venues: Case-by-case evaluation, event-based considerations

Drug Testing: Pre-employment drug testing varies by service line, client site, and position in 2025. Healthcare facilities typically require drug testing for all positions. Some corporate and education sites test, others may not for certain positions. Facilities services may test for safety-sensitive positions (equipment operation, maintenance). Random drug testing during employment varies. Zero-tolerance at healthcare and some government sites. If site requires drug testing you cannot pass, try different Sodexo client location or service line—drug testing policies vary dramatically across 13,000+ diverse locations and clients.

How to Get Hired at Sodexo with a Felony (Step-by-Step)

1. Apply to MULTIPLE Sodexo Locations and Service Lines

   Sodexo operates at 13,000+ client sites across diverse service lines. Apply broadly at sodexousa.com/careers. Target different service lines (food services, facilities management, healthcare, education, corporate, government) and multiple geographic locations. Some sites and clients more flexible than others—cast extremely wide net for maximum opportunities.

   
   

2. Target Dishwasher or Custodian FIRST

   Dishwasher (food services) and Custodian (facilities services) positions most accessible requiring zero experience, straightforward work, back-of-house operations minimizing scrutiny. Apply for these entry-level roles first to establish Sodexo employment, then advance internally to higher positions.

   
   

3. Apply to BOTH Food Services AND Facilities Management

   Sodexo has two major divisions with separate hiring: Food Services (cafeterias, kitchens, dining) and Facilities Services (custodial, maintenance, groundskeeping). Apply to BOTH divisions simultaneously—doubles your opportunities. If food services doesn't work, facilities management may hire, or vice versa.

   
   

4. Emphasize Reliability and Dependability

   "I'm reliable, punctual, and committed to quality work in food service or facilities operations" exactly what Sodexo managers need to hear. Reliability and consistent attendance matter infinitely more than background in high-turnover service industries. Show up consistently, advance rapidly.

   
   

5. Show Complete Shift Flexibility

   "I'm available any shift including early mornings, evenings, overnights, and weekends" extremely valuable. Food service operates during all meal periods (breakfast 5am, dinner 9pm). Custodial often overnight (10pm-6am). Groundskeeping early morning. Flexibility dramatically increases hiring odds.

   
   

6. Target Corporate Sites FIRST If Concerned About Background

   If worried about background scrutiny, target Sodexo corporate dining and facilities accounts (office buildings, corporate campuses) first—generally most flexible evaluation. Healthcare and education sites may have enhanced requirements depending on position and client.

   
   

7. Obtain Food Handler or OSHA Safety Certification BEFORE Applying

   Food handler certification ($10-$25 online, 2-3 hours) for food positions or OSHA 10 safety training ($40-$60 online, 10 hours) for facilities positions shows initiative and commitment. Increases hiring odds significantly. Some Sodexo sites provide certifications after hire, but having them beforehand demonstrates seriousness.

   
   

8. Be Honest About Criminal Background When Asked

   If asked about convictions during application or interview: "I have [type] conviction from [year], completed all requirements, focused on building stable career in food service or facilities management. I understand reliability and quality work are critical and I'm committed to proving myself through consistent performance."

   
   

9. Apply In-Person at Sodexo Client Sites

   Visit corporate cafeterias, hospital dietary departments, university dining halls, facilities management offices where Sodexo operates. Ask to speak with Sodexo site manager or supervisor, express interest in positions, submit application. In-person demonstrates serious commitment and initiative.

   
   

10. Start Part-Time if Necessary to Get Hired

    Accept part-time Sodexo positions (many food service and custodial roles start part-time). Prove outstanding reliability and work ethic over 2-4 months, request increased hours to full-time, advance to higher positions. Getting foot in door is critical first step—start anywhere possible.

    
    

11. Highlight ANY Food Service or Facilities Experience

    Any restaurant, fast food, catering, hotel, hospital, custodial, maintenance, groundskeeping, or facilities experience relevant and valuable. "I've worked in [food service/facilities] and understand customer service, safety procedures, and quality work standards" demonstrates transferable skills and industry knowledge.

    
    

12. Apply Repeatedly and Persistently

    Food service and facilities high turnover means constant new openings at Sodexo's 13,000+ locations. If application unsuccessful, reapply every 30-60 days to same and different Sodexo client sites. Persistence pays off in high-volume hiring environment with continuous turnover.

    
    

13. Consider All Sodexo Service Lines

    Don't limit to only food services. Sodexo also provides: facilities management (custodial, maintenance, groundskeeping), technical services, plant operations at some industrial clients. Apply across all service lines available in your area for maximum opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Sodexo hire convicted felons?

   Yes, Sodexo hires people with felony convictions case-by-case in 2025. Massive food services and facilities management hiring across 13,000+ North American locations creates highly accessible employment. Dishwasher ($14-19/hr, most accessible food service), Custodian ($15-22/hr, most accessible facilities), Food Service Worker ($14-21/hr), Cook ($16-25/hr). Non-violent felonies widely accepted especially back-of-house positions. Apply to multiple Sodexo client sites and service lines (food, facilities, healthcare, education, corporate). Behind-the-scenes kitchen and facilities work. Service industry broadly accessible for people with criminal records.

   
   

2. Will Sodexo hire me with a felony?

   Likely depending on conviction type, time elapsed, position, and client site in 2025. Non-violent felonies widely acceptable for back-of-house kitchen and facilities positions. Drug convictions acceptable if clean now (drug testing varies by site). Theft faces scrutiny with inventory and equipment access. Violence evaluated case-by-case. Sex offenses difficult especially education sites (may disqualify for K-12 schools). Target dishwasher or custodian (most accessible entries). Apply to corporate sites first (generally most flexible). Apply to both food services AND facilities management divisions. 13,000+ diverse locations with varying policies.

   
   

3. What is the most accessible Sodexo position?

   Dishwasher/Utility Worker at $14-19/hour working in commercial kitchens operating dishwashing machines, cleaning dishes and equipment, maintaining kitchen sanitation, ZERO experience or skills required, straightforward dishwashing and cleaning work, behind-the-scenes back-of-house operations, minimal customer interaction, constant dishwasher hiring due to highest food service turnover, prove reliability 6-12 months to advance to food prep or cook earning $16-25/hour, easiest Sodexo food services entry. Alternatively: Custodian at $15-22/hour (facilities management, also highly accessible).

   
   

4. Can you work at Sodexo with a theft conviction?

   Potentially case-by-case depending on theft type, time elapsed, and position in 2025. Theft faces scrutiny in food services (inventory access) and facilities (equipment, supplies). Old theft (5-10+ years) with restitution completed and rehabilitation demonstrated more acceptable. Back-of-house positions without cash handling (dishwasher, food prep, custodian) more accessible than front-line cashier or retail roles. Be honest about theft, explain circumstances and rehabilitation. Target corporate sites over healthcare/education for more flexible evaluation. Recent theft more difficult.

   
   

5. How far back does Sodexo background check go?

   Typically 7 years for criminal history in most states in 2025 (some states legally limit background checks to 7 years). Healthcare facilities (hospitals, senior living) may review longer timeframes or more comprehensive checks. Education sites (K-12 schools) conduct fingerprinting and sex offender registry checks. Corporate and leisure sites generally 7-year standard checks with case-by-case evaluation. Government facilities may have specific clearance requirements. Background check depth varies significantly by service line, client site, and position type.

   
   

6. Does Sodexo automatically reject felons?

   No, Sodexo does not automatically reject people with felonies—case-by-case evaluation standard in 2025. Food services and facilities management high-volume hiring and constant turnover create flexible accessible hiring culture. Reliability, work quality, and safety consciousness matter most. Sex offenses face automatic disqualification at some worksites (especially K-12 education sites). Violence and theft scrutinized but not automatic rejection for all positions. Client site and position type determine evaluation (back-of-house most flexible, education most restrictive, corporate middle ground).

   
   

7. Can you work at Sodexo while on probation or parole?

   Yes if hired. Many Sodexo food service and facilities employees manage probation/parole alongside employment in 2025. Service shift schedules structured and varied (morning, evening, overnight available at different sites). Be upfront about probation officer appointments after hired—coordinate with supervisor for schedule flexibility. Stable Sodexo employment ($29k-$52k depending on position) demonstrates rehabilitation strongly. Food service and facilities jobs increasingly common for people on supervision due to accessible hiring and advancement opportunities.

   
   

8. Does Sodexo drug test?

   Varies significantly by service line, client site, and position in 2025. Healthcare facilities (hospitals, senior living) typically require pre-employment drug testing for all positions. Some corporate sites test, others may not for certain non-safety-sensitive positions. Facilities services may test for equipment operation and maintenance positions. Random drug testing varies. Zero-tolerance at healthcare and some government facilities. If site requires drug testing you cannot pass, try different Sodexo client location or service line—drug testing policies vary dramatically across 13,000+ diverse sites and clients with different requirements.

   
   

9. Can felons advance at Sodexo?

   Yes extensively regardless of criminal background in 2025. Many Food Service Supervisors and Dining Managers ($19-30/hr, $40k-$62k) started as dishwashers with felony records and proved reliability over 2-4 years. Career path: Dishwasher ($14-19/hr) → Food Prep ($15-21/hr) → Cook ($16-25/hr) → Lead Cook → Supervisor ($19-30/hr) over 2-5 years. Facilities: Custodian ($15-22/hr) → Lead Custodian → Facilities Supervisor ($21-32/hr). Performance, reliability, quality work, and leadership determine promotions not background. Sodexo promotes from within extensively across all service lines.

   
   

10. Is Sodexo felon-friendly?

    Yes, Sodexo is generally felon-friendly in 2025 with case-by-case evaluation across most service lines and client sites. Dishwasher ($14-19/hr) and Custodian ($15-22/hr) highly accessible entry points. Food services and facilities management high-volume hiring (160,000 employees nationwide, constant turnover) creates employment opportunities. Back-of-house positions most accessible. Apply to 13,000+ locations across divisions. Corporate sites generally most flexible. Healthcare enhanced checks but hires case-by-case for environmental services. Education K-12 most restrictive. Service industries broadly accessible for people with records.

    
    

11. What benefits does Sodexo offer?

    Sodexo offers service industry benefits: health insurance (medical, dental, vision) for full-time employees, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid time off and holidays, employee meal programs (free or reduced-price meals during shifts at food service locations), flexible scheduling (part-time and full-time options), career advancement opportunities (strong promote-from-within culture), professional training and development, tuition reimbursement programs at certain levels, employee assistance programs, recognition and rewards programs for performance and longevity.

    
    

12. How long is Sodexo hiring process?

    Sodexo hiring relatively fast due to high-volume service needs in 2025. Entry-level positions (dishwasher, food service worker, custodian): online application at sodexousa.com/careers → phone screen (3-7 days) → in-person interview with site manager (1-2 weeks) → conditional offer → background check (3-7 days typical, 7-14 days for enhanced healthcare/education checks) → drug test if required by site → orientation and start (2-4 weeks total typical). Some urgent hiring locations hire within 1 week for immediate dishwasher and custodial needs. Food service and facilities high turnover accelerates hiring timelines.

Similar Food Service & Facilities Management Companies

Major Food Service Contractors (Similar Accessibility):

• Compass Group (world's largest food services—$14-24/hr, VERY accessible)

• Aramark (food service, facilities, uniforms—$14-24/hr, accessible)

• Delaware North (sports venues, parks, hospitality—$14-22/hr)

Facilities Management Companies (Also Accessible):

• ABM Industries (facilities services, janitorial, parking—$15-25/hr)

• CBRE (commercial real estate services, facilities—$16-26/hr)

• Cushman & Wakefield (facilities management—$16-24/hr)

• JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle) (facilities services—$16-26/hr)

Healthcare Food Services (Accessible):

• Hospital dietary departments (hired directly by hospitals)

• Senior living dining services (assisted living, nursing homes)

• Healthcare support services contractors

Education Dining (Varied Accessibility):

• University food services (hired directly or through contractors)

• K-12 school cafeterias (districts or contractors—more restrictive)

Restaurants & Catering:

• Chain restaurants (Olive Garden, Outback, Chili's—$12-20/hr + tips)

• Fast food (McDonald's, Wendy's, Subway—$12-18/hr, VERY accessible)

• Hotels and resorts (kitchen, banquet, housekeeping—$14-24/hr)

• Independent catering companies (events—$15-25/hr)

Why Food Service & Facilities Industries Highly Accessible:

• Constant high-volume hiring (160,000 employees at Sodexo alone)

• 50-100% annual turnover in food service, 30-50% in facilities

• Behind-the-scenes operations (kitchens, custodial, groundskeeping)

• Entry-level positions require no experience

• Case-by-case evaluation standard across industries

• Career advancement from entry-level to supervisor

• Multiple service lines and divisions to apply

• Essential services (recession-resistant stable employment)

• Part-time and flexible scheduling options

Final Thoughts

Sodexo offers highly accessible employment for people with felonies through case-by-case evaluation across 13,000+ client locations in North America providing food services and integrated facilities management at corporate, healthcare, education, government, and leisure sites. Dishwasher/Utility Worker ($14-19/hour) in food services and Custodian ($15-22/hour) in facilities management represent most accessible entry points requiring zero experience, straightforward work, behind-the-scenes operations, and constant hiring needs due to high service industry turnover. Food Service Worker ($14-21/hour), Cook ($16-25/hour), and various facilities positions provide alternative accessible pathways. Career advancement realistic and common: Dishwasher → Food Prep → Cook → Supervisor ($19-30/hour, $40,000-$62,000/year) over 2-5 years based purely on reliability, performance, and operational excellence regardless of criminal background.

Apply to multiple Sodexo service lines (food services AND facilities management), diverse client types (corporate most flexible, healthcare enhanced checks but hires case-by-case, education K-12 most restrictive), and numerous geographic locations. Non-violent felonies widely accepted especially for back-of-house kitchen and facilities positions. Theft faces scrutiny but case-by-case with time. Sex offenses difficult especially education worksites. Massive service operation with 160,000 employees and constant turnover creates exceptional employment opportunities for people with criminal records.

Key Takeaways for 2026:

• • Sodexo highly felon-friendly with case-by-case evaluation across most service lines

• Dishwasher $14-19/hour MOST accessible (food services, no experience, back-of-house)

• Custodian $15-22/hour highly accessible (facilities management, alternative pathway)

• Apply to 13,000+ Sodexo locations across service lines (food AND facilities)

• Apply to BOTH food services and facilities management divisions (doubles opportunities)

• Corporate sites generally most flexible on backgrounds

• Healthcare enhanced checks but hires case-by-case for environmental services (dietary, housekeeping)

• Education K-12 most restrictive—sex offenses disqualify, universities more flexible

• Behind-the-scenes work (kitchen dishwashing, food prep, cooking, custodial, groundskeeping)

• Career path: Dishwasher/Custodian → Cook/Lead Worker → Supervisor ($40k-$62k) over 2-5 years

• Non-violent felonies widely accepted, especially back-of-house positions

• Theft faces scrutiny with inventory/equipment, violence evaluated case-by-case

• Food handler or OSHA safety certifications helpful before applying

• Drug testing varies dramatically by client site (healthcare tests, corporate varies)

• High turnover creates constant openings—apply repeatedly if initially unsuccessful

• Food service and facilities industries broadly accessible—apply to Compass, Aramark, ABM if Sodexo doesn't work