Walmart is one of the biggest and most popular retailers across the U.S.. However, its employees are now facing job losses due to stores closing and workforce restructuring.
Those who have been working remotely over the last few years have also been told that they must return to work in person, or they could also face losing their jobs if they fail to do so.
Walmart Is the World’s Largest Retailer
Walmart is the world’s largest retailer and the largest private employer in the U.S., employing 2.1 million workers across the world.
The changes they are set to make are due to the retailer wanting to bring people together and strengthen its culture. Walmart is also wanting to help develop the careers of its employees.
Various Stores Are Closing Across the U.S.
As part of the announcement, some of Walmart’s Neighborhood Markets are being closed in Aurora, Colorado, the Bay Area, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
These stores have been chosen to close because they are not meeting Walmart’s financial performance expectations for its stores. While other stores have been performing better, these were the ones that had to be closed down because there have been no financial changes for a while.
Some Employees Are Required to Relocate
In what might come as some good news for the Walmart employees losing their jobs, some will be relocated to other stores, so they can still keep their jobs but in a different store.
However, this could have a more significant impact on these employees. If they are relocated to a store that is far away from their home or makes it difficult to do the school run, among other things, they will likely end up having to look for a new job anyway.
Corporate Employees Are Being Relocated
Most employees who are required to relocate are those working in corporate. Those working in Dallas, Atlanta and Toronto have been asked to move to some of Walmart’s other locations.
The locations they have been offered are Bentonville in Arkansas, Hoboken in New Jersey and Southern California. If employees don’t agree to this, they can quit with severance.
Warehouse Employees Getting the Sack
Walmart warehouse employees appear to be facing the brunt of these firings. Around 2000 Walmart warehouse employees are set to lose their jobs in the coming weeks and months.
Another new method being implemented is automation. The popular retailer aims to automate 65% of its stores by 2026 fully.
Remote Workers Asked to Return
Remote workers will likely be disappointed to learn that they have been asked to return to the office. However, they have been offered a hybrid working schedule for the time being.
But those who prefer 100% remote working are unlikely to be happy about this. Even those who enjoy working in the office will find that it will be difficult to adjust.
Working In-Person Is ‘Better’
According to Donna Morris, Walmart’s chief people officer (CPO), working together and in-person “makes us better” and is good for collaboration and innovation.
Morris added that she also believes this strengthens the working culture and enables associates to grow and develop. This is especially helpful to those who are just starting out in their careers.
Shoppers Have Been Boycotting Walmart
Amid its financial troubles, what comes as more bad news to Walmart bosses is that shoppers have now decided to boycott the store over one annoying change — its shopping carts.
The new carts have a cup holder and a place for shoppers to place their smartphones or shopping lists. However, shoppers are boycotting them because the handlebars have been made taller, which has become a nightmare for parents as the child seat has been moved up by 8 inches.
Walmart’s Stock Price Is Wavering
Another issue Walmart has is that its stock price has been wavering slightly. In May 2024, it peaked at 61.30 points before suddenly dropping to 60.29 points.
However, what likely comes as good news to Walmart bosses is that its stock price is almost at an all-time high. Despite that little wobble, Walmart is still doing well stock-wise.
Working Closely With Affected Employees
Walmart has made it clear that it knows how difficult this will be for its employees, regardless of whether these changes directly affect them.
While Walmart is committed to working closely with and supporting the affected employees, those who are not currently affected will still be worried because there is every chance that their jobs are still at risk.
Workers Given Until July to Make a Decision
Time is ticking for Walmart employees, as the retail giant has given them until July 1 to decide whether to relocate or quit with severance.
It will be a difficult decision because, when there aren’t many jobs, some employees have to choose between uprooting their entire lives and quitting a job in uncertain times.
