As one of the largest retail pharmacy chains in the U.S., Walgreens employs nearly 250,000 people across 9,000+ stores. With so many employees, turnover is a constant reality – but that doesn‘t mean resigning should be taken lightly. As both a former retail manager and a picky Walgreens shopper myself, I‘ve seen firsthand how the resignation process can be an emotional and stressful experience for all involved.
When an employee quits abruptly or unprofessionally, it can majorly disrupt store operations, customer service, and team morale. Pharmacy roles are especially critical, as they directly impact patient care. On the flip side, resigning with respect and care for the transition maintains positive relationships and keeps future career options open.
If you‘re one of the many Walgreens employees considering moving on to a new opportunity, this in-depth guide will walk you through everything you need to know to quit your Walgreens job the right way. From understanding official resignation policies to crafting the perfect resignation letter to ensuring a smooth offboarding, I‘ll share expert tips and insider knowledge from my 15+ years in retail leadership.
Understanding the Current Climate
Before diving into the tactical how-to, it‘s important to acknowledge the challenging landscape Walgreens employees have been facing recently. Even pre-pandemic, retail pharmacy was notorious for high pressure, long hours, and stagnant wages. But Covid-19 exacerbated these issues to crisis levels.
Walgreens was on the frontlines of coronavirus testing and vaccine administration, stretching an already understaffed and burnt out workforce to the brink. Pharmacists and technicians found themselves working 12+ hour shifts with no breaks, sacrificing their physical and mental health for the greater good. Many report feeling unsupported and unappreciated by corporate leadership.
These extreme conditions led to unprecedented turnover across the company. Walgreens executives have stated that pharmacy employee turnover peaked above 20% in some areas in 2021. A recent survey by Walgreens pharmacists found that 60% plan to leave the company within the next year.
Front store employees are struggling too. With a lean labor model, constant policy changes, and demanding customers, many cashiers and managers are feeling overworked and undervalued. Lack of schedule stability and limited career growth are common complaints. Over 1/3 of Walgreens store employees report being dissatisfied with their jobs.
All this to say – if you‘re feeling fed up or burnt out in your Walgreens role, you are far from alone. It‘s a difficult time to be in retail, and there‘s no shame in choosing to put your well-being first. That said, how you leave matters a great deal. Let‘s talk about how to do it right.
Walgreens Resignation Policy Basics
First things first, let‘s clarify what you are and aren‘t required to do when quitting Walgreens. As an at-will employer, Walgreens can terminate employees at any time, and employees can resign at any time as well. No federal law mandates that you must provide a certain amount of notice or even give a reason for quitting.
However, Walgreens highly encourages all employees to provide a minimum of two weeks notice as a basic professional courtesy. Some key things to know:
- Giving less than two weeks notice requires approval from your manager or HR
- Not working your scheduled shifts during your notice period is considered job abandonment
- Job abandonment makes you ineligible for rehire and certain benefits payouts
- Leadership and pharmacy roles are expected to provide additional notice (more on that later)
Moral of the story – unless you are facing truly extreme circumstances like unsafe work conditions or harassment, aim to give at least two weeks notice when resigning from Walgreens. It‘s not just a formality – it‘s a reflection of your professional maturity and personal integrity.
Breaking the News to Your Manager
Once you‘ve made the definitive decision to resign, the first step is to inform your direct supervisor. While it may be tempting to just email or leave a voicemail, this conversation really should happen live – either in person, over video chat, or worst case over the phone.
When scheduling the meeting, give your manager a heads up that you need to discuss something important related to your employment. This ensures you will have adequate time and attention for the conversation. During the meeting:
- Clearly state that you have made the decision to resign from your position
- Share your planned last day of work (at least two weeks out)
- Briefly explain your reason for leaving
- Express gratitude for the opportunity and your Walgreens experience
- Discuss transition plans and offer to help with training your replacement
- Prepare for potential follow up questions or counteroffers
Remember, this isn‘t the time to air grievances or speak negatively about Walgreens, no matter how valid those feelings may be. Keep the conversation cordial, professional, and focused on logistics. An attitude of humility and appreciation goes a long way.
If you have an especially close or long-term working relationship with your manager, it‘s okay to share that this decision was difficult for you. Offering a more personal sentiment and acknowledging their mentorship can help soften the blow. But ultimately, keep it concise and avoid oversharing.
Documenting Your Departure
After informing your manager verbally, the next critical step is to document your resignation in writing. Walgreens has moved many HR functions to the online portal Workday, so check there first for any forms or templates to complete.
If your store still relies on manual processes, type up a formal resignation letter and submit it to your manager and HR representative. While you already shared the key details in person, it‘s important to reiterate them in writing for official records. A resignation letter should include:
- A clear statement of resignation and your last day of work
- A brief explanation for your departure
- An expression of gratitude for your time at Walgreens
- An offer to assist with training and transition
Here‘s a sample resignation letter for inspiration:
Dear [Manager‘s Name],
Please accept this as my formal resignation from my position as [job title] at Walgreens, effective [last day of work]. After much thought, I have accepted an opportunity at another company that aligns with my long-term career goals.
I am incredibly grateful for all of the experiences, skills, and relationships I have built during my [length of time] at Walgreens. Thank you for your leadership, mentorship, and support.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance with the transition process over the next [notice period] weeks. I am happy to help train my replacement and ensure my responsibilities are covered after my departure.
Thank you again for the opportunity to be a part of the Walgreens team. I wish the company and my colleagues all the best.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]Ultimately, the exact wording isn‘t as important as having the key details documented clearly. Keep copies of this resignation letter for your personal records. Once submitted, ensure you have confirmation from your manager or HR that it has been received before you consider yourself officially resigned.
Working Your Notice Period
Congrats, you did it! You mustered the courage to quit and you handled the tough conversation with poise. Now what? It‘s time to work your notice period like the consummate professional you are.
Unless explicitly instructed otherwise by your manager, the default expectation is that you work all of your scheduled shifts for the full two weeks following your resignation. This is your opportunity to leave a positive lasting impression and set your team up for success in your absence.
Some tips for working your notice period:
- Maintain an attitude of diligence and positivity (no "senioritis" slacking)
- Communicate frequently with your manager about transition plans
- Document important information and processes for your successor
- Delegate tasks and share knowledge with colleagues as needed
- Continue to adhere to all Walgreens policies and procedures
- Express appreciation and say personal goodbyes to coworkers
In some cases, Walgreens may ask you to leave earlier than your planned final day once they have your replacement hired or trained. This is not common, but it‘s important to be flexible and understanding if this situation arises. You will still be paid for your scheduled shifts as long as you were willing and able to work.
One of the most common questions employees have when resigning is what happens to their benefits. The answer is – it depends. At Walgreens, many benefits continue until the last day of the month in which you resign, including:
- Health, dental and vision insurance (may be eligible for COBRA after)
- Life and disability insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- 401(k) and employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
However, some benefits like paid time off (PTO) may be handled differently depending on your state and position. In general, accrued PTO is paid out on your final paycheck, but it‘s best to confirm with HR.
Your official last day worked is considered your termination date for benefits purposes. If you are resigning close to the end of the month, it may be worth pushing out your final day to extend your coverage a bit longer. Work with your manager and HR partner to choose a transition timeline that works best for everyone.
Regarding your final pay, Walgreens commits to providing all wages owed to you in accordance with state law. Some states require all earnings to be paid immediately upon termination, while others allow payment on the next regular pay cycle. Any bonuses, commissions or severance will be paid out according to policy terms. Keep records of all final pay stubs and reach out to Walgreens payroll if you identify any discrepancies.
Even after your departure, it‘s important to keep your contact information up-to-date with Walgreens for tax documents and other continuing communications. You can do this through Workday or by contacting HR directly.
Gracefully Closing Your Chapter at Walgreens
With all of the tactical steps covered, I want to touch on the softer side of resigning. Leaving a job, especially one you‘ve held for a long time, can be an emotional experience. It‘s okay to acknowledge that.
Take the time to reflect on your Walgreens journey and all that it taught you. Express authentic gratitude to the mentors and colleagues who supported you along the way. Celebrate how far you‘ve come and the exciting new chapter ahead of you.
Plan how you will stay in touch with valued coworkers, while still maintaining boundaries as you transition to a new workplace. Attend farewell gatherings and exit interviews with an open and gracious mindset. You never know when you may cross paths with Walgreens or its employees again.
Remember, your reputation is your most valuable career asset. Resigning from Walgreens with integrity and respect is not just the right thing to do – it‘s an investment in your long-term professional success. Employers want to hire people who navigate challenging transitions with maturity and care.
So hold your head high as you turn in your badge and walk out those sliding glass doors one last time. Be proud of your service to your patients and customers. And know that how you choose to close this chapter at Walgreens matters just as much as all the hard work that came before it.
Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
Quitting a job is rarely easy, but it is a normal and necessary part of career growth. If you‘ve thoughtfully identified that it‘s time to move on from your Walgreens role, I hope this guide has equipped you with the knowledge and confidence to resign the right way.
As someone with over a decade of retail management experience, I‘ve seen far too many employees make avoidable mistakes when leaving jobs. Resigning hastily without notice, airing dirty laundry on the way out, or simply failing to tie up loose ends – all of these missteps can have lasting negative repercussions.
On the other hand, I‘ve consistently seen that treating resignation as a thoughtful and respectful process leads to the best outcomes for everyone. An employee gets to depart on positive terms and protect their reputation. The employer has adequate time to plan for a smooth transition. Bridges stay intact and future opportunities stay open. It‘s truly a win-win.
Of course, I realize that after months or years of challenging conditions at Walgreens, it may be difficult to muster the energy for a drawn out resignation process. Believe me, I‘ve been there, and I empathize with that exhaustion. But I promise you this: taking the high road is always worth it in the long run.
So when in doubt, lead with gratitude, humility, and professionalism. Give ample notice, work hard until the end, communicate clearly, and express appreciation. Be someone your colleagues will be genuinely excited to work with again down the road.
I‘ll leave you with this gem of a quote – "The best time to look for a new job is when you don‘t need one." Even if Walgreens wasn‘t your dream job, I guarantee you still learned and grew in ways that set you up for future success. Carry those lessons with you proudly, and resign in a way that honors them.
Thank you for taking the time to read this guide, and best of luck in your next career chapter! If you have any lingering questions about resigning from Walgreens, don‘t hesitate to leave a comment below. I‘m always happy to share my experience and insights.
