All-aboard the transformation train

The most effective transformation strategies empower all stakeholders to play an impactful role in shaping the future of the business. This is the story of how Sodexo's award-winning, gamified digital training platform helped turn employees into change-makers.

Digital transformation isn’t just about upgrading systems—it’s about upskilling people. Sodexo understood this when it launched the Digital Passport, a gamified learning platform designed to help employees embrace technology, feel invested in change, and become active participants in shaping the company’s future.

As Digital Content Manager on the project, I supported the Innovation and Technology teams we reimagined workforce learning. The result? A culture shift that made transformation inclusive, fun, and meaningful.

Share a Clear Vision

Every great journey starts with a destination. The Digital Passport began by communicating a bold and accessible vision for Sodexo’s digital future. Employees weren’t just told what would change—they were shown why it mattered, and how they fit into the story. This narrative-first approach helped demystify transformation and created a shared sense of purpose.

Make Learning Fun

Gamification turned learning from a chore into a challenge. Employees unlocked badges, climbed leaderboards, and completed interactive modules that delivered key digital concepts in bite-sized, enjoyable formats. By incorporating game mechanics familiar from platforms like Duolingo or fitness apps, the program made digital upskilling addictive—in the best way.

Build a Community

Transformation doesn’t happen in silos. The platform encouraged peer-to-peer learning and collaboration, with social features that allowed participants to support one another, celebrate wins, and build momentum together. This helped foster a community mindset and created an environment where learning became a collective effort.

Recognise Change-Makers

One of the most powerful features of the Digital Passport was its built-in recognition system. As employees progressed, their achievements were celebrated not just within the platform but across the business. Leaders acknowledged top performers, turning internal advocates into visible champions of change.

Results & Takeaways

The program successfully trained thousands of employees across multiple regions, building digital confidence from the ground up. More importantly, it proved that when you make learning engaging and purposeful, transformation becomes something people do with you—not to them.