Working Environment

Core Values

At the very root of our approach for guiding and inspiring approximately 36,000 associates worldwide, are the OfficeMax Core Values. The Core Values were developed in recognition of the role that corporate culture plays in company success and associate satisfaction. Throughout this report, associates relate the ways in which they lived the Values in 2007, the first full year of implementation. How well associates live these Values is reflected in their performance reviews and compensation – and in how we perform as a company.

The OfficeMax Core Values:

Integrity & Accountability. Every associate will aspire to achieve the highest level of integrity and accountability. They will take responsibility for personal actions and ownership of results, even when no one is looking.

Think Company & Customer First. Do what is right for the company, not for yourself. Above all, that means taking care of the customer. The “customer” is the Contract customer; the Retail customer; and the internal customer, the associate. People who take care of the customer keep our company in business.

Teamwork & Trust. Create synergy in the company by respecting and valuing new ideas. Win by working as a team and building the team by earning each other’s trust.

Focus & Discipline. Have a clear sense of what needs to be done, and then work with a specific goal in mind until it is accomplished. Produce measurable results.

Sense of Urgency. Time is of the essence; move business forward rapidly whenever you see opportunity. Take action to resolve problems quickly.