Sodexo Celebrates International Women’s Day Reinforcing Its Commitment to a Safe, Welcoming, and Inclusive Workplace for All 

When people think of drilling rigs, they often picture an offshore workplace dominated by male workers. However, the reality has changed. One organization leading the drive for workplace equality is Sodexo, a global leader in sustainable food and valued experiences at every moment in life from France. Sodexo has created opportunities for employees of all genders to thrive in their careers, even in demanding environments like offshore oil rigs.

Drilling rigs are workplaces that require strength, professionalism, and exceptional management skills. Employees must work and live on the rig for up to 28 days per work cycle. They are responsible for ensuring colleagues and clients receive the best possible services. One crucial role in keeping everything running smoothly is the Camp Boss, who oversees all aspects of daily life on the rig.

In the past, many people may have assumed that the position of Camp Boss or branch manager overseeing operations on drilling rigs was only for men. However, in recent years, Sodexo has proven that capability knows no gender limits by providing opportunities for women and individuals of diverse gender identities (LGBTQI+) to rise to leadership roles and perform professionally at the same level.

Ms. Piyathida Sriraksa (Ple), a 42-year-old Camp Boss on the Shelf Drilling Chaophraya (SDC) rig, has accumulated over eight years of experience and career growth with Sodexo. Starting as a steward, she advanced to Storekeeper and then “Camp Boss” through dedication and capability. Today, she holds the highest position in her field, overseeing all service management on the drilling rig. She is responsible for catering to over 100 clients and leading a team of 22, including international chefs, Thai chefs, kitchen assistants, food and beverage staff, laundry staff, dishwashers, and housekeeping staff.

Piyathida’s connection to the drilling rig industry began in childhood. She grew up in a family familiar with working in this environment - her father served as a Camp Boss at Sodexo before retiring, and her brother also worked on a drilling rig before moving to Sodexo’s headquarters. After gaining experience with other companies in the drilling rig industry, Piyathida decided to join the Sodexo team, where she showcased her capabilities and successfully rose to the highest position in her field within just eight years.

Piyathida shared that she never expected to be promoted to a leadership position. However, she became interested in working on an oil rig because it was a common profession among those around her. She believed this job could support her family. She never felt concerned despite working with male workers in a remote offshore environment. With confidence, courage, and a passion for service, she dedicated herself to her daily duties. Her commitment led her supervisors to encourage her to pursue higher positions. Today, she holds the position of Camp Boss and is treated equally to her male colleagues.

Piyathida had heard of International Women’s Day but had never understood its significance. It wasn’t until she achieved success that she realized what had shaped her confidence and inspiration - the strength she had received and could pass on to her younger colleagues. She learned that this makes International Women’s Day so important: “women empowering women.”

However, she doesn't just draw encouragement from her colleagues. Piyathida always reminds herself that every effort has a purpose. When she feels tired, she thinks of her family, reinforcing her commitment to care for them, just as her father did. Although she is a woman in a leadership position within a predominantly male team, she never feels concerned. In Sodexo’s work culture, everyone is valued for their skills and abilities, not their gender. Her colleagues always show her respect and honor. Moreover, the company values employee welfare, enabling her and her team to perform their duties fully, even while working in the middle of the sea, and still have time to rest and enjoy time together.

Although she has worked on the drilling platform for 8 years, Piyathida has not been stationed at the exact location, allowing her to meet various people and regularly participate in activities with clients to strengthen relationships. While each day's work may seem similar, the challenges have never diminished because she prioritizes ensuring that employees can work smoothly and is always dedicated to providing the best service to customers.

She is not worried about daily problems because she is dedicated and passionate about her work in customer service. In a job that requires communication with clients and teamwork, Piyathida believes that communication is key. When problems occur, conversation is the most direct and quickest solution.

Women considering working with Sodexo on an offshore oil rig shouldn't worry about gender. Sodexo prioritizes welfare and safety and has strict measures to prevent violence and harassment. What matters is getting over any fear. Working offshore takes confidence, bravery, and, most of all, a love for serving others.

Piyathida concluded by stating that she continues to enjoy her work on the rig and aspires to pursue this career until retirement, following in her father's footsteps. Regarding her future, she envisions a simple retirement life with a small garden, a long-held dream.