Employment Pipeline

Henry Schein Inc. is finally a company which values its employees. The company has a facility in the Northwest side of Indianapolis. Henry Schein Inc. is a worldwide distributor of medical, dental, and veterinary supplies. The company has over 550,000 customers, which earns the company revenue of $5.9 billion dollars. The company has over 12,000 employees nationwide and 275 employees at the Indianapolis distribution facility. From the 275 employees in Indianapolis, 48% of those employees are immigrants. I did not find that shocking at all, but what I did discover in the article was the fact they are not hiring some random immigrants from the streets; rather they were hiring well educated immigrants with a great educational background. Just so you get an understanding of what I mean by “well educated” immigrants, Viet Pham, an employee at Henry Schein Inc., recently emigrated from Vietnam, where he was a pediatrician. Elisa Santos, another immigrant worker from Philippines is a teacher back in her native land. The company also expressed its satisfaction for having such a diverse background of employees. From the Philippines, Central America, the Caribbean, India, Pakistan, the list seems to go on and on. Also note that not only are these immigrants well educated, but they are legal US citizens.

As mention earlier, Henry Schein Inc. values all of its employees including their base of immigrant workers. Not only do these immigrants enjoy a safe working environment, but the company helps fund employee programs, such as diversity training, English as a Second Language classes, health and wellness programs, computer training and health benefits. I would have never expected to find a company, especially such a successful company like Henry Schein, to spend their own money to help these immigrants find their feet in America as well as help them integrate into American Society. Remember, this company is paying these expenses so that they have the opportunity to further develop the English language, to have technological skills and most importantly, to have the ability to blend into American society so that they are less likely to be exiled by their surrounding society. I also found more encouraging material in the article when I read about the company`s scholarship program for employees’ children. These scholarships are extremely helpful, especially for the first generation immigrants because it can help relief some of the financial issues that the family may face in the future. It said in the article that there were 75 scholarships available nationwide, with six given away locally in Indianapolis. Just by reading this article, it was quite evident that this company really does care about its employees, especially its large base immigrant workers. They are helping each and every one of the immigrants adapt to life in America, as well as helping their children have a brighter and more prosperous life.

Finally, the last thing I would like to comment about Ashley Petry’s article was something beyond all mention in the article. The company has done something truly amazing for these immigrants trying to live a better life in America. Henry Schein helps their employees prepare for their citizenship tests, which a large majority of them pass. Because of such generosity from the company, the immigrants were able to adjust to the country as well as a new line of work. I think there are few and far people, let alone companies, would go to such extent to help immigrants. They’ve helped them with offering free English courses, scholarships for their children, vital benefits and most importantly, a chance to have a US citizenship. I know from reading this article that these workers are truly grateful to be working for Henry Schein. This company has been a true inspiration for them. Helping them have a career in America, helping each individual and their family integrate into American Society. Henry Schein Inc. should deserve some national recognition for what they’re doing. It’s no surprise why so many immigrants want to work for them. For all the help they’ve provided for their immigrants, it’s really no surprise why it is such an in demand job for immigrants. I’m glad to see that not everyone has lost their respect for immigrants. If everyone would treat each immigrant with the respect that Henry Schein gives them, then it wouldn’t be so hard for many immigrants to adjust to a new way of life in America. If everyone would lend a helping hand, then maybe, just maybe, that poor stereotype about immigrants will one day vanish.


Article Written by: Ashley Petry
The Indianapolis Star
Monday, September 29, 2008
Section C1 and C3