Walgreens' The Gold Standard

Have you ever noticed that when you go to any Walgreens, everyone just seems happier? Could it be the deals or just the fact that it is well-lit? Or could it be the employees at the stores and the distribution centers are treated the same no matter what their capabilities are? You are right, it is the employees. This is due to one man, his autistic son, and the strong desire to make a change. Randy Lewis helped Walgreens take a leap of faith as they began adding persons with disabilities. It was not to be seen as charity and they did not know how it would work out in the end, but now Walgreens is the “gold standard of disability hiring.”

Walgreens’ new employment model has resulted in ten percent of its workforce (1000+) having persons with disabilities. Walgreens has been a model for other companies like Lowes and Best Buy. Walgreens makes sure the employees receive the same pay and benefits. The persons with disabilities have the same rules and standards as all other employees.

Randy Lewis got this program started after watching his son work through the world while having autism. Lewis wrote an inspiring book about this experience called “No Greatness without Goodness: How a Father’s Love Changed a Company and Sparked a Movement.” It speaks on how he hedged everything on creating that inclusive workplace, where persons with disabilities would not only succeed, but thrive.

He created principles for successfully hiring persons with disabilities. There are sixteen in all but the first is have that champion. No champion, no success. Randy Lewis was the champion for people with disabilities. He set a goal and monitored the outcomes. He also said go big and start acting. Do not get stuck on the what ifs.

The biggest barriers people face when hiring, no matter who they are, is performance standards must be the same for everyone, fear will always stop a person from trying something new or hiring someone who would be truly exceptional for the company, and the leaders need to be on board.

His book is fascinating, as Randy Lewis leads everyone down an inspiring path to being able to start that change. Becoming the change that you wish to see is the most important part.

Now because of this untapped resource of workers, it may be scary just thinking about adding this to your company. Not every company has a Randy Lewis. STEPS, Inc has a team of them just waiting to help you find your perfect employee for your company. STEPS, Inc. will help you as you begin your journey in hiring persons with disabilities. Let us help you become the champion of your company.