In our digital age, a brand’s standing among consumers can change as swiftly as the new ad campaign hits the streets, or the company’s commitment to a particular cause becomes known. You have a lot of choices in who you conduct business with, or even consider as a prospective employer. Chances are, if you’re like most consumers, you’ll be influenced by a company’s commitment to social and environmental issues.
In its 2017 study of corporate social responsibility (CSR), Cone Communications notes, “Companies must now share not only what they stand for, but what they stand up for.” Among its study’s key findings:
- 63% of Americans are hopeful that businesses, in the absence of government regulation, will take the lead to drive social and environmental change going forward
- 87% would buy a product from a company that stood up for or advocated for an issue they care about
- 75% would refuse to purchase a company’s product or services after learning that it supported an issue contrary to their beliefs
With a long-standing commitment to the environment, society, and employees, Maxim is pleased to issue its first annual corporate responsibility report. In its 35-year history, the company has built a reputation on innovation. Along the way, the company has also demonstrated its dedication to acting responsibility, operating sustainably, building inclusive workplaces, and contributing to the communities in which its employees work and live. As part of its environmental stewardship, for example, the company maintains programs that aim to prevent or reduce air, land, and water pollution and to continually improve environmental management systems. To help enhance the communities in which Maxim operates, for instance, the company has long been a dedicated supporter of Second Harvest Food Bank, contributing donations as well as employee volunteer hours. In addition, the company also supports science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and robotics competitions for youth and organizes charitable contribution efforts to other selected causes. Last year, Maxim hosted the California Invention Convention, which brought 130 K-8 students to the San Jose headquarters to showcase their inventions. The company will serve as this year’s host in the spring.
Maxim employees hit the pavement in the company’s 2018 “Race to End Hunger” to raise money for Second Harvest Food Bank.
Here are some key highlights from the CSR report:
Environmental Impact
- Roughly 48% of electricity consumed by Maxim in 2017 was generated from renewable sources
- The company has reduced by about 50% the water consumed per employee (in cubic meters) since 2015
- Between 2015 and 2017, the company reduced greenhouse gases by about 55%, decreased hazardous waste by about 24%, and reduced energy intensity by about 48%
Social Impact
- Through donations to Second Harvest Food Bank, Maxim provided 390,652 meals in 2017 and 430,644 meals in 2018
- Employees contributed 60% of Maxim’s total charitable donations in 2018
- More than 5,000 salaried employees received continual online training in 2018
Governance and Ethics Impact
- 25% of board members are women and 88% are independent directors
- All board members are subject to annual re-election
- Maxim supports the objectives of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) Code of Conduct, a set of social, environmental, and ethical industry standards
For more information, read Maxim’s corporate responsibility report and visit the company’s corporate responsibility webpage, where you’ll find the company’s CSR code as well as information on areas including environment, employees, global communities, solutions for tomorrow, partnerships with suppliers, and recognition.
