WBA’s 2nd DE&I report chronicles latest efforts
Walgreens Boots Alliance has released its second annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report, sharing the progress it has made in diversifying its leadership. It also includes U.S. demographic data by race.
WBA’s “Our Values. Our People. Our Differences.” report outlines its efforts to increase the representation of women and people of color throughout the company, including its Leadership Accountability Model. The model ties a portion of incentive pay for certain bonus-eligible employees to the company’s performance on diversity goals. Year-over-year, WBA said it has increased representation from these groups among senior directors and above.
“At WBA, our mission is to ingrain diversity, equity and inclusion into everything we do, and that mission is resonating throughout our company,” said WBA CEO Roz Brewer. “I am so proud of the work we’ve done to expand understanding, increase curiosity and connect with each other and our customers in ways that truly lead to an inclusive environment. We are committed to continuing and improving this work in the coming year and beyond.”
[Read more: Q&A: WBA’s Monti outlines the company’s approach to health and wellness]
According to the report, WBA’s U.S. workforce was 48.8% comprised of people of color in 2020, with its most diverse group — non-managers — 49.9% made up of people of color. Senior leadership grew its diversity, hitting 19.1% people of color. Pharmacists at the retailer are 43.1% people of color and managers are 30.3% comprised of people of color. Women make up 68.8% of the company’s global workforce, with women comprising 31.4% of senior leadership, 43.7% of managers, 70.2% of non-managers and 64% of pharmacists.
The report features cover art from Sydney James, a Detroit-based artist.
“We are encouraged by the trend we’re seeing showing that our leadership ranks are more representative of the people we serve, but there is still work to do,” said Carlos Cubia, senior vice president and global chief diversity officer at WBA. “We will continue to find innovative and impactful ways to make sure WBA is an inclusive and equitable employer of choice for everyone, regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or religion.”
[Read more: Walgreens addresses health disparities in Chicago’s underserved communities]
Other areas of focus in the report include Walgreens’ efforts to address vaccine equity throughout the pandemic, including mobile clinics and high-profile celebrity events.
With regard to health equity, Walgreens is piloting a program with Vitamin Angels to offer free prenatal vitamins in certain Chicago neighborhoods. Expecting parents in the south and west sides of Chicago can receive a six-month supply of free prenatal vitamins.