skip to product and services directory
skip to content
skip to footer
Living Values

2007 Corporate Social Responsibility Report

 

Diversity and Inclusion

 

Management Approach

Unless otherwise noted, the information in this report regarding Diversity and Inclusion programs and planning pertains to our U.S. Operations.

The rights of OfficeMax associates have long been protected by our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other factor prohibited by U.S. federal, state or local laws. In 2007, the following classifications were added to our Equal Opportunity Commitment statement: “gender identity or expression” and “religious accommodation” (see Workplace Diversity and Inclusion for more information).

Diversity and Inclusion at OfficeMax, however, goes far beyond just protecting the rights of our associates. From our first Supplier Diversity Policy implemented over 30 years ago, to the direction and programs established over the past several years, Diversity and Inclusion is a critical strategic initiative supported by senior management that will help drive innovation, competitive advantage and shareholder value.

Dimensions of diversityDiversity is commonly associated with race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and mental/physical abilities and characteristics. However, at OfficeMax, we take a more encompassing view, by defining diversity as any dimension that can be used to differentiate groups and individuals from one another. Dimensions of diversity also include differences in religion, family status, work style, first language knowledge, opinions, cultural values, education, work experience, etc.

Inclusion refers to management practices and influences that capitalize on the talents of all groups of people, and supports and enables the full engagement and development of all associates. Inclusive cultures call upon the strength and experiences of all associates.

To achieve our near- and long-term business objectives, we established the OfficeMax Diversity Council and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion in 2006. These functional areas were hard at work in 2007 in both planning and implementation.

Diversity Council

The OfficeMax Diversity Council is co-led by the OfficeMax chairman and CEO, and the chief diversity officer/vice president, Diversity and Inclusion. The Council functions in an oversight and advisory role, acting as a “compass” of sorts on all strategic initiatives, projects and events related to Diversity and Inclusion at OfficeMax.

In 2007, the Council developed a strategic direction, which will serve as the guiding framework over the next five years from which our company will set actionable and attainable goals.

Office of Diversity and Inclusion

The mission of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion is to integrate Diversity and Inclusion within the major business units of the enterprise through a strategic focus on communication; education; metrics and governance; and workforce, marketplace and supplier diversity.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is led by the chief diversity officer/vice president Diversity and Inclusion, who reports directly to the chairman and chief executive officer. The “chief diversity officer” title was added in 2008. The Office underwent some refinements in 2007, and is structured along four functional work areas, each led by a director. These functional areas and their missions include:

• Community Affairs: Position OfficeMax as a leading corporate citizen by engaging associates and developing strategic partnership to achieve a positive social and business impact.
• Governance and Metrics: Proactively identify Affirmative Action Programs, educate our business partners, and provide tools to strategically target opportunities for improved business results.
• Supplier Diversity: Develop value-added and sustainable business relationships with historically under-represented diverse businesses.
• Workforce Diversity: Ensure OfficeMax recruits, develops and retains top talent that is representative of the communities where we conduct business.

In 2007, the director, Corporate Supplier Diversity was moved from OfficeMax’s Merchandising group to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The director function entitled “Equal Employment Opportunity” was changed to “Governance and Metrics” to better reflect our broader approach. This reporting structure represents a cohesive, streamlined organization that will help the company embrace the full range of opportunities presented by Diversity and Inclusion and help us execute against our strategic direction.