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Living Values

2008 Corporate Social Responsibility Report

 

Diversity and Inclusion

 

Workplace Diversity and Inclusion

The focus on business processes, work environment, policies and work conditions to achieve greater associate participation and engagement has been identified as “workplace diversity” at OfficeMax. It is one of three major Areas of Influence associated with our overall Diversity and Inclusion initiative.

In 2008, we advanced our workplace diversity goals by expanding our diversity and inclusion education and awareness training and continuing our Cultural Heritage Months recognition and celebrations. These efforts relate to our “workforce diversity” Area of Influence, as well.

Diversity and Inclusion Education and Awareness Training

The OfficeMax Diversity Council participated in Executive Leadership Training, which focused on leadership commitment to diversity. OfficeMax senior management also received training focused on their leadership commitment to diversity and key stakeholders.

Diversity and inclusion training was also expanded to key functional areas, such as Human Resources, Legal, Learning & Development and Loss Prevention, and to our Canadian subsidiary, Grand & Toy. The training focused on the importance of diversity, managing biases and creating greater organizational awareness of diversity.

In addition, 550 associates from our Customer Service Centers and our Pricing department also received presentations on the following topics: Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives and Valuing Gender Differences and Generational Differences.

Cultural Heritage Months Program

In support of our diversity awareness and education efforts, OfficeMax continued to celebrate nationally recognized Cultural Heritage Months at our corporate headquarters and other locations. The program recognized an array of cultural backgrounds in month-long celebrations, with activities ranging from communications, displays and cultural videos and documentary films, to external speakers and panel discussions. Heritage celebrations in 2008 included the following:
• Black History Month/Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Women’s History Month
• Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month
• Hispanic Heritage Month
• National Disability Employment Awareness Month
• American Indian Heritage Month

OfficeMax understands that in order to be inclusive, we must recognize those ethnic cultures within our workplace that are not nationally recognized. Therefore, in 2008, we recognized August as Diversity Awareness Month. The month was celebrated by the support of executives who drive diversity through their business sectors, an atrium event attended by more than 350 associates and through educational luncheons, ethnic cuisines and Diversity Dialogues conducted by the Chief Diversity Officer.