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 Equal Opportunity Commitment Statement and our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other factor prohibited by U.S. federal, state or local laws.
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.
Diversity 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.
The OfficeMax Diversity Council and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion have planning oversight responsibilities to help ensure that we achieve our near- and long-term business objectives.
Diversity Council
The OfficeMax Diversity Council is co-led by the OfficeMax chairman and CEO, and the vice-president, chief diversity officer, 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.
The Council has developed a strategic direction, which will serve as the guiding framework over a five-year period, 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 vice president and chief diversity officer, who reports directly to the chairman and chief executive officer. The “chief diversity officer” title was added in 2008. The Office is structured along four functional work areas. These functional areas and their missions include the following:
• Affirmative Action Programs/Equal Employment Opportunity: Proactively identify Affirmative Action Programs, educate our business partners, and provide tools to strategically target opportunities for improved business results.
• Community Affairs: Position OfficeMax as a leading corporate citizen by engaging associates and developing strategic partnership to achieve a positive social and business impact.
• Workforce Diversity: Ensure OfficeMax recruits, develops and retains top talent that is representative of the communities where we conduct business.
• Supplier Diversity: Develop value-added and sustainable business relationships with historically under-represented diverse businesses.
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.