Staples Earns Top Marks in 2016 Corporate Equality Index

For Sixth Year in a Row, Staples Earns 100 percent on Human Rights
Campaign Foundation’s Scorecard on LGBT Workplace Equality

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Staples, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPLS) today announced that it received a perfect
score of 100 percent on the 2016 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). This is
the sixth consecutive year that Staples has received the perfect score
on the national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and
practices related to LGBT workplace equality, administered by the Human
Rights Campaign Foundation.

“Staples is extremely proud to earn a perfect score for the sixth year
in a row, as we are strongly committed to LGBT inclusion in all areas,
from talent acquisition to benefits to associate engagement and
development,” said Erika Hopkins Foreman, Director of Inclusion,
Diversity and Workplace Relations for Staples. “Our organization is
stronger because of the dedicated LGBT associates and allies who focus
on our customers and our communities.”

The company supports a range of Associate Resource Groups (ARGs), a
formal community of committed associates who support Staples business
results, global diversity strategy, community involvement and associate
engagement. “Out At Work” is the ARG for lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender associates and allies.

Most recently, “Out at Work” organized events around National Coming Out
Day, the fifth annual celebration at Staples. The events worked to
educate associates about LGBT related topics and issues as well as
celebrate the support of allies throughout the past year. This year the
event expanded to include activities at Staples corporate locations
across the United States.

“By openly supporting the LGBT community, Staples shows all of its
associates that it’s OK to be who you are – whether you identify as
LGBT, are a family member of an LGBT person, or a friend and ally to the
community,” said Katelyn Thompson, a Senior Usability Researcher at
Staples and Co-Chair of Out At Work. “Knowing the company I work for is
supportive of the LGBT community means I don’t have to worry about being
who I am at work.”

The 2016 CEI rated 1,027 businesses in the report, which evaluates
LGBT-related policies and practices including non-discrimination
workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive
health care benefits, competency programs, and public engagement with
the LGBT community. Staples’ efforts in satisfying all of the CEI’s
criteria results in a 100 percent ranking and the designation as a Best
Place to Work for LGBT Equality.

Please visit the company’s website for more information on Staples
diversity practices.

For more information on the 2016 Corporate Equality Index, or to
download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization
working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By
inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination
against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental
fairness and equality for all.

About Staples
Staples makes it easy to make more happen with
more products and more ways to shop. Through its world-class retail,
online and delivery capabilities, Staples lets customers shop however
and whenever they want, whether it’s in-store, online or on mobile
devices. Staples offers more products than ever, such as technology,
facilities and breakroom supplies, furniture, safety supplies, medical
supplies, and Copy and Print services. Staples also offers free shipping
for Staples Rewards Members, in most cases overnight. Headquartered
outside of Boston, Staples operates throughout North and South America,
Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. More information about Staples
(SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.

Contacts

Staples, Inc.
Mark Cautela, 508-253-3832
Mark.Cautela@Staples.com