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Living Values

2007 Corporate Social Responsibility Report

 

Diversity and Inclusion

 

Workforce Diversity and Inclusion

Where a smile is the Universal LagThe inclusion and representation of our associates’ diversity (workforce diversity) is one of three major Areas of Influence identified as part of our Diversity and Inclusion initiative. In 2007, OfficeMax made significant strides in the planning and implementation of our workforce diversity efforts. These included the first full-year of our Internship and University Relations Program, the establishment of two Associate Diversity Resource Groups, the development of diversity communications, and the sponsorship of a diversity-oriented event. Many of these efforts relate to our “workplace diversity” Area of Influence, as well.

Additionally, we began to measure our associate Diversity and Inclusion performance and develop a more comprehensive approach to such metrics.

Internship and University Relations Program

Established in 2006 to formalize a strategic approach to identifying, hiring and helping to develop student interns, the OfficeMax Internship and University Relations Program is an important vehicle for attaining meaningful relationships with key colleges and universities.

More information on the Internship and University Relations Program can be found in the Working Environment sub-section of this report entitled Associate Development and Performance.

Associate Resource Groups

In 2007, two Associate Resource Groups were formed, including:
• The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Parents and Friends Associate Resource Group
• The Women’s Leadership Council

While these groups were supported by our Diversity and Inclusion leaders, their formation was not a directive from the company. Rather, the groups came together based on the grassroots efforts of OfficeMax associates themselves, a testament to the safe and nurturing environment being fostered by our Diversity and Inclusion efforts. Looking forward to 2008 and beyond, these two Associate Resource Groups will develop more formalized plans, and new groups will be formed.

Diversity Communications

In the fall of 2007, OfficeMax CEO and Chairman, Sam Duncan, formally announced our Diversity and Inclusion initiative on our Intranet-based video channel, Advantage TV. Diversity and Inclusion messaging was also disseminated through our Advantage News e-mail news brief. Both of these vehicles are accessible by virtually all associates in our U.S. Operations.

Additionally, in 2007, we began development of a Diversity and Inclusion brochure to communicate OfficeMax’s commitment. The brochure will be distributed to key internal and external audiences on an as-needed or as-requested basis, as well as at special events.

Sponsorships

In January 2008, OfficeMax hosted an event at our corporate headquarters for the Chicago Chapter of the National Black MBA Association. CEO Sam Duncan presented his Ten Lessons of Leadership to a crowd of more than 120 people, mostly guests. This event marked the first time OfficeMax opened our new corporate headquarters to a community group.

In 2007, we began informal discussions on working together with a number of organizations devoted to career advancement for various diverse communities. A more rigorous initiative to identify the groups with which we will ultimately engage was set for 2008.

Establishing ties to diverse communities in this manner not only supports those communities, but also helps OfficeMax in the furtherance of its associate recruitment, retention and outreach goals.