DEI & Environmental Responsibility Policy

Purpose

Northwoods is dedicated to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity, ensures equity, promotes inclusion, and upholds ethical standards, including ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility.

Our DEI and Environmental Responsibility policy outlines our commitment to creating an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered, while also minimizing our environmental impact.

Summary Statement

At Northwoods we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are some of our biggest strengths. Our definition of diversity is broad and includes race, gender, LGBTQ+ status, disability, age, socio-economic status, parental and caregiver status, and more. We believe it’s everyone’s job to embrace diversity in order to fuel innovation and growth. Our goal is for all team members to have a seat at the table and a voice that’s heard.

Core Principles

1. Respect and Dignity: We are committed to treating all individuals with respect, dignity, and fairness, and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued.
2. Equal Opportunities: We provide equal opportunities for employment, advancement, and professional development, regardless of an individual's background or characteristics.
3. Non-Discrimination: We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind, including, but not limited to, discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, nationality, or socio-economic status.
4. Accessibility: We strive to ensure that our workplace, facilities, and communications are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities.
5. Cultural Competence: We promote cultural competence and awareness among our employees, fostering an environment where differences are respected and celebrated.
6. Prevailing Wage: We are committed to above minimum wage, competitive pay for our associates and contractors based on their skills, experience, and location.
7. Ethical Sourcing: We are committed to sourcing products and services ethically, ensuring that our supply chain upholds principles of fair labor practices, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.
8. Environmental Responsibility: We recognize our responsibility to minimize our environmental footprint and actively work to reduce waste, conserve resources, and mitigate climate change.

Actions and Responsibilities

1. Leadership Commitment: Northwoods’ leadership is committed to championing diversity, equity, inclusion, ethical sourcing practices, and environmental responsibility, integrating them into all aspects of our organization.
2. Employee Training and Education: We strive to provide opportunities to all employees to increase awareness of DEI issues, unconscious bias, inclusive practices, ethical sourcing, and environmental responsibility.
3. Recruitment and Hiring: We strive to hire diverse talent and ensuring fair and equitable hiring processes. We also consider environmental sustainability practices in our vendor selection and procurement processes.
4. Supportive Workplace: We provide access to the CEO to allow employees to address concerns related to discrimination, harassment, or other DEI issues, as well as mechanisms for reporting concerns related to ethical sourcing practices and environmental responsibility.
5. Community Engagement: We actively engage with and support organizations and initiatives that are focused on bettering the communities we serve. Whenever possible, we prioritize engagement with organizations that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, ethical sourcing practices, and environmental responsibility in our communities and globally.

Accountability

All employees are expected to uphold and promote the principles of this policy. Violations of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Review and Revision

We are committed to regular review and revision of this policy to ensure its continued effectiveness and relevance to our company’s evolving needs and goals.