Walgreens, Thank you.

Walgreens impressed in me a growing attitude of appreciation for people—coworkers, customers, and friends.  They’re all people, unique with sometimes delicious surprises for conversation. – Rachel Marocco.

When I began work at Walgreens in Minneapolis in 1999, I encountered many people different in backgrounds, nationalities, languages, and races.  At first, I was scared stiff of all of them.  It was even hard to concentrate at the register.  But as I continued working, the first thing that struck me is the empathy of my customers.  There were many awkward encounters and customers who were rough with me partly because I messed up sometimes but some of them really expected a lot and took it for granted that I would give it to them—for instance it was there that I learned to always get the coupon out for the customer—people appreciated it, but if I forgot a few took offense.  However when such things happened most other customers would say the most wonderful things to make me feel better.

Needless to say I only continued to improve on the job when I moved to the Walgreens in Eagle Rock, CA.  It was there that I found inner strength to deal when customers were displeased at first—and it even seemed I could pull them over to see the good.  Some of those people became my regular customers, my friends. 

Then when I moved to the Grapevine Walgreens, I pushed myself hard to get better at all the skills an associate could possibly do, and I am still working on those skills there.  I was thrilled to learn of the program that puts me in the employee of the month position when customers give me a nine for service.   Its great that there’s a way for me to be rewarded for the friendliness and help I already love to give customers just because they are people too, and deserve it. 

I also like the new Loyalty Rewards Card Walgreens is doing partly because now when people scan their card I can learn their name, and if they do come more regularly, my hope would be that I could remember and call them by name, for they are people in my neighborhood.  That, and the great deals that I and my customers can get--especially the extra dollars off=free stuff!  I love the way Walgreens is rewarding their regular customers with these extra bonuses.

Now I am thinking of fun ways I can become a better contributor to Walgreens.  One person complained to me once about the new CEO in charge of Walgreens; and as I mulled it over, I had the thought—well he is competitive, diplomatic, and shrewd, and looks like he’s a risk taker too.  Sounds like someone who may very well be good for the company.  Plus as I see the new things coming out of Walgreens for employees, such as the Life and Work Counseling department to help employees with issues ranging from financial to more personal items included in the life and work balance; I’d say Walgreens is already cutting edge, so I am proud to be a part of it.