Lecture Notes on Walgreens Distribution Facility in Anderson, SC

Overview

• Walt Green's: Largest drugstore chain in the US with over 8,300 stores nationwide.
• Anderson, South Carolina Facility: Key distribution center feeding nearly 800 stores daily, noted for a high degree of technology and diverse workforce.

Unique Workforce

• Inclusivity: Over 40% of staff have physical or mental disabilities.
• The facility is designed to enable disabled and non-disabled workers to work side-by-side.

Key Personnel

• Angela Mackey: Responsible for recruiting disabled workforce. Has cerebral palsy but excels in her role.
  • Advocates for creating a level playing field for individuals with disabilities.
• Randy Lewis: Retiring head of Walgreens distribution, father of a child with autism, inspired the inclusion program.
  • Noted for efforts to use technology and design to accommodate disabled workers.

Impact of the Program

• Walgreens serves as a model for other companies like Lowe's, Procter & Gamble, and Best Buy.
• Provides a viable future for individuals with disabilities.
• Stories of individuals like Desiree Neff showcase life-changing impacts:
  • Moved from California for the opportunity.
  • Her son gained independence (marriage, home ownership, driver’s license).

Workplace Environment

• Motivation and Morale: High enthusiasm among workers, infectious positivity.
• High Performance Expectations: Despite disabilities, high productivity is emphasized.
• Philosophy: "There is no them, it's just us" emphasizes unity and similarity among workers.

Upcoming Focus

• The next discussion will focus on the sophisticated automation that aids in achieving high performance levels for all workers.