Staples 2014 Annual Report Download - page 93

www.staplesannualmeeting.com STAPLES 1
i SUMMARY OF 2014 STAPLES CORPORATE
RESPONSIBILITY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
At Staples we take pride in making a positive impact on society, our associates and the planet. We’re dedicated to bringing
awareness to and effecting meaningful change in the areas of Community, Ethics, Diversity & Inclusion, and Environment.
COMMUNITY
Staples is dedicated to providing education and career skills
development to communities where our customers and
associates live and work. We contribute through large-scale
initiatives as well as local, grassroots programs that promote
goodwill and build strong community ties globally.
Progress update:
• Donated more than $13.8 million to non-profit
organizations around the world through Staples
Foundation, corporate charitable giving programs,
in-kind donations and cause marketing efforts.
• Through the 2 Million & Change program, enabled more
than 9,000 associates globally to direct $2.4 million to
more than 1,000 organizations they personally care about
and support across 24 countries.
• Inspired customers to donate more than $1.9 million
through five cause marketing and disaster relief campaigns
conducted in the U.S. and Canada.
• Provided educational support to communities affected by
disasters through the Staples Emergency Education Fund
with Save the Children.
• Engaged more than 3,200 associates in community
volunteering events in 13 countries and raised money
for local organizations through fitness fundraisers in eight
countries.
ETHICS
At Staples, doing right is just as important as doing well. We
know that a strong foundation of ethics and governance is
comprised of both a clear and comprehensive Code of
Ethics (the “Code”) and conduct which demonstrates an
uncompromising commitment to that Code. Both are essential
to build the trust of our customers, investors and other
stakeholders. That’s why we hold all Staples associates, from
the boardroom to the store floor to the supply chain, to the
highest standards of honesty, fairness and integrity.
Progress update:
• Provided associates with a single destination to access
policies, training and resources through internal online
Ethics and Compliance Community.
• Revised and streamlined International ethics and
compliance training program to ensure that associates
have easy access to all of their required training.
• Provided live training to business units domestically and
internationally to help ensure that associates are familiar
with relevant laws and company policies.
• Maintained Staples Supplier Code of Conduct, which is
designed to ensure that workers making Staples brand
products are treated fairly, with dignity and respect, and
that our suppliers operate in an ethical and environmentally
sustainable manner. We audit every factory that supplies
Staples brand products if they are located in a designated
“at risk” country for compliance to our Code. In 2014 we
completed 218 Social Accountability factory audits at
191 factories.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Staples’ commitment to diversity and inclusion stems from
our recognition that being a successful company requires
people with rich backgrounds and diverse perspectives. We
know that differences in age, race, gender, nationality, sexual
orientation, physical ability, background and thinking style
promote innovation. We believe that attracting, developing and
retaining associates that reflect the diversity of our customers
is essential to our success. Our diverse workforce and network
of suppliers strengthens relationships with our customers and
enhances our ability to adapt to the ever-changing global
marketplace. At Staples, we recognize that, at every level, the
best performance will come from people who understand and
appreciate this commitment.
Progress update:
• First woman in Staples history selected to lead a business
unit: Shira Goodman, President, North American
Commercial.