Staples 2012 Annual Report Download - page 6

Provided live training to business units both within and outside the United States to help
ensure that associates are familiar with relevant laws and company policies.
Continued to implement the 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 DUHORFDWHGLQDGHVLJQDWHG³DWULVN´
country for compliance to our Code. In 2012 we completed 291 Social Accountability factory
audits at 230 factories.
DIVERSITY
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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 allow us to be more innovative as a company. We believe that attracting, developing
and retaining an associate base that reflects the diversity of our customers is essential to our
success. Our diverse workforce and network of suppliers strengthens relationships with our
customers and gives us the flexibility 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:
Proudly grew our Associate Resource Group (ARG) network from eight chapters to twelve.
Added two Women Who Lead ARGs ± one in Ontario, Canada and the other in Orlando,
Florida. Also added a Young Professionals ARG in Lincolnshire, Illinois and an HOLA
chapter in Southern California. In addition, associates across our diverse organization are
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groups continue to provide members with a collective voice, a formal community, a sense of
empowerment and decision-making, deeper engagement in the company, a focus on
commonalities and a forum to celebrate differences. Staples ARGs are key business
partners that support our commitment to global inclusion and diversity.
Created an online Inclusion & Diversity awareness workshop that will be used in new hire on-
boarding and as a resource for Human Resources professionals throughout the organization.
Ran a successful Mentoring Campaign to gather support and participants for a Global
Mentoring Program that will have a strong emphasis on ensuring racial/ethnic
underrepresented minorities are partnered with associates that can support and assist in
their development and career progression.
Held 3rd Annual Business Woman of the Year contest in Australia and New Zealand. This
competition is intended to recognize and appreciate the talented women at Staples who
positively impact our company, our customers and our communities.
In 2012, Staples spent over $303 million with small and diverse vendors and the Staples
Supplier Diversity program continued to engage with diverse suppliers, organizations and
the larger community in several ways. In Australia, Staples partnered with Indigenous-
owned businesses and offered diversity products to corporate and government customers.
Our Diverse Mentorship Program, now in its third year of existence, promotes professional
and business development among diverse business enterprises. Currently, the Staples
Legal Department is partnered with a minority-owned law firm in a mentoring relationship,