Discover the Inside Scoop on Working at Walmart in 2023

Working at Walmart has always been a unique experience, and in 2023, it continues to be so. As one of the largest retail employers in the world, Walmart offers a wide range of opportunities for individuals looking for both part-time and full-time work. Whether you’re starting your career or looking for a change, working at Walmart can be a rewarding experience.

What Is It Like Working At Walmart?

The key thing to understand about working at Walmart is that it’s the largest company globally, a position it has held since 1990 based on its revenue. Being part of such a massive corporation has its pros and cons, especially if you’ve worked in a large retail company before.

Walmart portrays itself as a great place to both work and shop. Their mission statement reflects this:

“Our goal is to make the world a better place by helping people live better lives, caring for the planet, and fostering strong, resilient communities. This means striving to create opportunities, promote a sustainable future, support diversity and inclusion, and bring communities closer together.”

In essence, Walmart is dedicated to making positive contributions to society, the environment, and the well-being of individuals.

Over the years, Walmart has faced numerous controversies, which raise doubts about the effectiveness of their mission.

Recently, in June 2022, the Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against Walmart for money transfer fraud. This resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars being taken from consumers.

In the same year, Walmart faced criticism for consistently overcharging customers due to frequent “receipt errors.” Some customers were overcharged by as much as $20 per transaction, and this issue wasn’t isolated.

These controversies, however, don’t only affect Walmart shoppers. In 2022, Forbes reported that Walmart was sued by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for discriminating against employees based on race and gender.

Going back to 2017, The New York Times revealed allegations that Walmart had been punishing employees who needed sick days. The accusations included claims that Walmart refused to accept doctors’ notes, penalized workers caring for sick family members, and otherwise mistreated employees for taking lawful absences.

What You Need To Know Before Working At Walmart in 2023

Considering a job at Walmart? Before you dive in, it’s essential to get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to work at this retail giant in 2023.

Here are some key considerations to remember before deciding to work at Walmart:

1. Workplace Reputation: Walmart is known for having a reputation as a challenging place to work.
2. Pay Comparison: Walmart’s pay may be lower compared to some other companies for similar roles.
3. Pre-Employment Checks: Be prepared to undergo a drug screening and background check as part of the hiring process.
4. Medical Benefits: To be eligible for medical benefits, you typically need to work an average of 30 hours per week.
5. Employee Turnover: Walmart experiences a relatively high rate of employee turnover compared to other major companies.

These are important factors to weigh when considering a job opportunity at Walmart.

The Hiring Process

The process of getting a job at Walmart in 2023 is pretty much like previous years, but there are a few changes. Here are the main steps you’ll go through if you want to work at Walmart:

1. Start with an Application: First, you’ll need to apply online through Walmart’s careers website. You can search for job openings by location, category, or keywords. You’ll have to create an account and provide your personal info, education, work history, and references. They’ll also ask about your availability, preferences, and skills. You can upload your resume if you want, but it’s not required for most hourly jobs.
2. Take the Walmart Assessment Test: After applying, you’ll need to take a test. This test has multiple-choice questions and it helps Walmart understand if you’re a good fit for the job. It’s divided into sections like Work Style, Customer Service Scenarios, Managerial Scenarios, and Logical Reasoning. You’ll have about 65 minutes to finish it. You can prepare for the test by looking at sample questions and tips on the Prep Terminal website.
3. Interview Time: If you pass the test, you’ll move on to interviews. Walmart usually interviews three people for each job and picks the best fit. The first interview is often with a store manager or a personnel associate. They’ll talk to you for about 30 minutes and ask about your work experience, skills, and why you want to work at Walmart. Dress nicely, be on time, bring your resume, and show you’re excited about the job.
4. Second Interview: If you do well in the first interview, you’ll have a second one with a higher-up manager or supervisor. This interview goes deeper into your behavior and how you handle different situations. They might ask about past experiences or what you’d do in hypothetical job-related scenarios. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to give clear answers with examples.
5. Orientation: If you’re offered the job, you’ll go through some checks, like a background check and maybe a drug test. Once those are clear, you’ll attend an orientation called “Welcome to Walmart.” This one-day training introduces you to the company’s rules, culture, and what’s expected of you. You’ll also learn about your pay, benefits, schedule, and get your uniform and badge. It’s a chance to meet your new coworkers and managers.

These are the key steps in the Walmart hiring process for 2023.

The Work Environment

Walmart is committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for its employees. In recent years, the company has made significant investments in improving workplace conditions and increasing employee satisfaction. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, Walmart aims to create a positive and supportive atmosphere for all its associates.

Employee Benefits

In 2023, Walmart continues to provide a range of benefits to its employees, whether they work full-time or part-time. Here are some of the perks they offer:

1. Healthcare Options: Walmart offers various health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with critical illness and accident insurance. The specific plans depend on factors like your job, hours, and where you work. They also have health savings and reimbursement accounts, as well as telehealth services.
2. Financial Support: To help employees save for the future, Walmart provides a 401(k) plan with a 6% match, an employee stock purchase plan with a 15% discount, and a Roth IRA plan. They also give discounts on things like travel, entertainment, and various products. Plus, there’s an option for advance pay through the Even app.
3. Quality of Life Benefits: Walmart cares about its employees’ well-being. They offer paid time off, parental leave, assistance for adoption, education benefits, and chances for career growth. Employees can also enjoy discounts on items they purchase. Walmart has a culture of recognizing and appreciating the hard work and contributions of its associates.

These are the ways Walmart supports and values its employees in 2023.

Career Opportunities at Walmart 2023

Walmart offers a wide range of career opportunities, whether you’re looking for an entry-level position or a more specialized role. You can explore these options on the Walmart Careers page. Here are some of the job categories you can consider:

1. Retail Positions: These include jobs in various store departments like cashier, food and grocery, general merchandising, stocking, health and wellness (including pharmacy positions), and even positions at Walmart Auto Care Centers or fuel stations if you have the required skills.
2. Corporate Positions: Walmart also has corporate roles in areas like business analysis and software engineering.
3. Healthcare Positions: If you’re interested in healthcare, Walmart offers positions in this field.
4. Technology Positions: Tech enthusiasts can explore opportunities in technology-related roles.
5. Distribution and Fulfillment Positions: If you prefer logistics and distribution, there are positions available in this area.
6. Driver Positions: Walmart also hires drivers for various purposes.

One notable aspect of working at Walmart is the potential for career advancement. In fact, 75% of their workforce, including their CEO, began as hourly associates. They claim that the average associate gets a promotion within seven months of starting. Even if you’re not looking for a promotion, you can expect raises every 90 days as a Walmart employee. So, starting at Walmart can lead to growth and opportunities within the company.

Salary Pay Grade at Walmart

The salary you receive as a Walmart employee can vary significantly based on factors like your job role, location, and how long you’ve been with the company. Generally, the longer you work at Walmart, the higher your potential earnings.

Here are some key points about wages at Walmart:

1. Variation in Pay: Pay at Walmart varies widely depending on the job you have. For instance, the lowest-paying role is that of a reset associate, who mainly focuses on tidying up store shelves. On average, reset associates earn around $12,000 annually.
2. Highest Entry-Level Pay: On the other hand, the highest-paying entry-level position at Walmart is that of a software engineer. Walmart software engineers can earn an average yearly salary of about $124,000.
3. Starting Hourly Wages: Walmart’s starting hourly wages for in-store positions typically range from approximately $12 to about $17, depending on the specific job role.

So, your income at Walmart is influenced by your job, experience, and where you work within the company.

Dress Code And Uniforms

Here’s what you need to know about the dress code and uniforms at Walmart:

1. Uniform and Vest: Walmart provides its employees with a uniform that includes a vest and a name tag. The color of the vest depends on the employee’s position and department. For instance, Supercenter employees wear gray vests with blue trim, Neighborhood Market employees wear gray vests with green trim, and self-checkout hosts wear yellow vests with gray trim.
2. Clothing Choices: Walmart allows employees to choose the color or pattern of their shirt, as long as it’s not too revealing, unprofessional, or inappropriate. When it comes to pants, employees can wear any color of denim jeans, provided they don’t have rips, decorations, or diamonds on them.
3. Footwear: Employees are permitted to wear sneakers or any comfortable, closed-toe shoes. However, shorts, leggings, yoga pants, or jeggings are not allowed.
4. Tattoos and Hair: Walmart generally accepts tattoos and colored hair, as long as they are not offensive or overly distracting.

So, while there is a uniform and vest, Walmart offers some flexibility in clothing choices for its employees, as long as they adhere to certain guidelines for professionalism and appropriateness.

Work Hours And Scheduling

Walmart has introduced a new scheduling system called Customer First Scheduling, aimed at giving employees more control over their work schedules and personal lives. This program utilizes electronic data to identify peak shopping times in Walmart stores and then schedules staff accordingly.

Here are some of the advantages of this program:

1. Predictable Schedules: All associates receive their schedules two weeks in advance.
2. Consistent Hours: Associates have the option of set schedules with up to 40 hours of work per week. Walmart considers anyone working 34 hours or more as full-time, while those working 30 hours or more are eligible for health coverage.
3. Flexibility: Employees can also have some flexibility in building their own schedules by picking up or trading shifts. They can manage their schedules, clock in, request time off, and even pick up extra shifts using the Me@Walmart app.
4. Opportunities: Walmart offers cross-training to associates, allowing them to work in different roles within the store and access additional work hours.

To keep track of their hours worked, employees can use the Me@Walmart app or check their schedules at the store, which provides a three-week schedule preview.

Is Walmart A Good Place To Work?

When it comes to finding employment, one of the biggest considerations is whether a company is a good place to work. Walmart, the retail giant, is often a topic of discussion in this regard. So, is Walmart a good place to work?

72% of employees at Walmart Inc. say it is a great place to work compared to 57% of employees at a typical U.S.-based company.

Like any large organization, Walmart has its share of pros and cons as an employer. One of the advantages of working at Walmart is the opportunity for career growth. With numerous locations across the country, there are often openings for advancement within the company. Walmart also offers competitive pay and benefits, including medical insurance and retirement plans.

On the other hand, some employees have raised concerns about the working conditions at Walmart. One common complaint is the long hours and demanding workload. Additionally, there have been reports of low morale among employees and a lack of work-life balance.

Despite these concerns, Walmart has made efforts to address them. In recent years, the company has increased its minimum wage and improved its employee training programs. Walmart has also implemented initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Ultimately, whether Walmart is a good place to work will depend on individual preferences and circumstances. Some employees may thrive in the fast-paced environment and appreciate the opportunities for growth. Others may find the demands and working conditions to be less favorable.

It is important to research and consider all aspects of a potential employer before making a decision. Speaking with current or former employees can provide valuable insights into the company culture and working conditions. Ultimately, finding a good fit between an employer and employee is crucial for job satisfaction and career success.

Also Read:

Top 9 ways to make money from Walmart 2024

How can I get hired at Walmart Fast 2023

How to Apply for a Walmart Internship in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

Walmart Careers 2024: How To Secure A Job At Walmart Guide

FAQs

1. Is Walmart a good place for seniors to work?
   • Yes and no. Walmart offers jobs like cashiers and greeters that are suitable for seniors. However, Walmart is known for low pay and not treating employees well.
2. What is the dress code for Walmart employees?
   • Walmart employees should wear denim jeans (different shades are acceptable) and shirts of any color or pattern. They must also wear a blue Walmart vest over their clothes. Clothes should be professional and without rips, stains, or inappropriate language. Pants should not have embellishments, jewels, etc. Closed-toe shoes are a must.
3. What are the best jobs at Walmart?
   • Cashier and sales associate are considered the most desirable entry-level positions. However, if you have experience and education as a software engineer, getting hired for this position can provide higher earnings as a new employee.
4. Is it easy to quit Walmart?
   • Yes, leaving Walmart is as simple as telling your manager you want to quit. Depending on your relationship with your manager, you might leave immediately or agree on a last day together.
5. What is Walmart’s employee turnover rate?
   • Walmart has one of the highest turnover rates, at around 70%. Many employees leave due to low wages and poor working conditions, according to the Washington Center for Equitable Growth.