Diversity & Inclusion

Celebrating Diversity: Walgreens Highlights Kyle Hahn's Story

Nov 1, 2019 4:35 PM ET
Campaign: Healthy & Inclusive Workplace
Kyle Hahn celebrated his 11th work anniversary with Walgreens in September. He was part of the Company’s first Transitional Working Group initiative to employ people with disabilities. Hahn has traveled around the country sharing his story with other areas of Walgreens business and with people with disabilities.

Kyle Hahn was in high school when he learned about a new Walgreens distribution center opening up in Windsor, Conn. He applied and was hired, and in joining Walgreens, Kyle also became part of the company’s new Transitional Working Group, an effort by the retailer to provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

This past September, Kyle celebrated his 11th anniversary with Walgreens and he recalls the day he found out he was hired:

“I was really excited about it,” said Hahn. “I was jumping around the house. This was my first job ever!”

Kyle, who has attention deficit disorder and ADHD, has thrived at Walgreens. Over the years, he has worked in different departments at the Windsor distribution center. His current role involves unloading delivery hauls, checking in and tagging deliveries, and preparing product for shipment to stores.

“I love working for Walgreens,” said Hahn. “I’m most proud of serving our stores, working with my colleagues, with disabilities and without disabilities. I feel proud of working for a great company that accepts me for who I am and trusts me to do the job right and to get it done. I feel like am a great team member and that I could be here for a long time.”

For more than a decade, Walgreens has developed and implemented business-leading disability inclusion initiatives to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to become part of the company, succeed in the workplace and participate in society. To learn more about Walgreens disability inclusion initiatives, click here.

Transitional Work Group (TWG)

Walgreens Transitional Work Group operates across nine Walgreens distribution centers and regional warehouses in the U.S.  The 13-week training program includes support from job coaches and front-line managers. Walgreens partners with state agencies and local nonprofits to identify candidates.

  • About 13 percent of employees at Walgreens distribution centers and regional warehouses self-identify as individuals with disabilities.

REDI program

Started in 2010, Walgreens Retail Employees with Disabilities Initiative (REDI) program focuses on recruitment, training and hiring people with disabilities to work in the retailer’s pharmacies. Walgreens partners with publicly funded community providers on this effort.

  • In fiscal 2018, the REDI program expanded to more than 272 stores in 37 states. As of August 31, 2018, the REDI program had enrolled more than 1,600 trainees. Of the externs who registered, 78 percent had completed training.

Walgreens and its parent company Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse culture where all employees are valued.  

“Our purpose at WBA is to help people live healthier and happier lives,” said Carlos Cubia, WBA’s chief diversity officer. “Our employees with disabilities help us foster collaboration and better connect with our customers. They enhance overall employee engagement, and their unique perspectives advances our company’s innovation.”

To learn more about Walgreens’ diversity initiatives, visit WBA.com/corporate responsibility

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