As a retail industry expert and former Walmart store manager, I‘ve seen firsthand how attendance can make or break a store‘s success. When associates are chronically late or absent, it creates a ripple effect that impacts everything from customer service to profitability. That‘s why Walmart, like many retail employers, uses a point-based attendance system to encourage reliability and hold associates accountable.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive deep into how the Walmart point system works, how to check your points balance, and proven strategies for maintaining a stellar attendance record. I‘ll also share some insider tips and personal anecdotes from my years on the sales floor and in the manager‘s chair.
Whether you‘re a new hire or a seasoned associate, this article will give you the knowledge and tools you need to take control of your attendance and build a successful career at Walmart. Let‘s get started!
The Ins and Outs of the Walmart Attendance Point System
The Walmart attendance point system is designed to track and discourage absenteeism and tardiness among associates. Here‘s a quick overview of how it works:
- Associates receive points for arriving late, leaving early, or missing shifts.
- Points are tracked in the GTA (Global Time and Attendance) Portal.
- Points stay on an associate‘s record for a rolling 6-month period.
- Accumulating 5+ points in a 6-month period can result in termination.
Pretty straightforward, right? But there‘s a bit more to it than that. Let‘s break down the specifics of how points are calculated.
Attendance Point Calculation
| Infraction | Points |
|---|---|
| 15 minutes to 2 hours late | 0.5 |
| 2+ hours late | 1 |
| Leaving early | 1 |
| Missed shift (unexcused) | 2 |
As you can see, the points can add up quickly for repeated infractions. But it‘s not just about avoiding disciplinary action. A study by the National Business Research Institute found that absenteeism costs U.S. companies an average of $2,650 per salaried associate per year. For large retailers like Walmart, those costs can easily soar into the millions.
Of course, Walmart understands that life happens. That‘s why the point system has some built-in flexibility, like the 6-month rolling period and opportunities for excused absences (more on that later). But as a general rule, it‘s always best to aim for perfect attendance whenever possible.
How to Check Your Walmart Attendance Points Balance
Now that you understand how the point system works, let‘s talk about how to actually check your balance. There are two main ways to do this: online or by phone.
Online via the WalmartOne/OneWalmart Portal
The easiest way to check your attendance points is through the WalmartOne (now known as OneWalmart) online portal. Here‘s how:
- Go to one.walmart.com and sign in with your Walmart user ID and password.
- Click the "My Time" tab at the top of the page.
- In the drop-down menu, select "GTA Portal."
- Your current points balance will be displayed in the top-right corner.
You can also click "View My Attendance" for a detailed breakdown of your attendance history, including dates and reasons for any points. If you‘re having trouble accessing the portal, try using a Walmart-connected device like the computers in the personnel office, or ask your manager for assistance.
By Phone
If you don‘t have internet access or prefer to check your points by phone, you can call Walmart‘s associate information line at (800) 492-5678. Here‘s what to do:
- Call the number and enter your Walmart identification number, followed by the pound key.
- Enter your date of birth in MMDDYYYY format.
- Choose option 2 for attendance and information.
- Listen to the automated message for your current points balance.
The phone system is available 24/7, so you can check your points balance anytime, anywhere. Just make sure you have a pen and paper handy to write down the information.
Strategies for Maintaining a Good Attendance Record
Of course, the best way to manage your attendance points is to avoid getting them in the first place. Here are some proven strategies for staying on track:
Plan ahead
One of the most common reasons for attendance points is simply poor planning. If you know you have an appointment or obligation coming up, submit a time off request as early as possible. Walmart typically requires at least 3 weeks‘ notice for planned absences.
Communicate with your manager
If you‘re running late or need to miss a shift unexpectedly, always communicate with your manager as soon as possible. A quick phone call or text can go a long way in minimizing the impact on your team and reducing the likelihood of disciplinary action.
Use your PTO wisely
Walmart provides paid time off (PTO) to eligible associates for things like vacation, personal days, and sick leave. If you wake up feeling under the weather, don‘t tough it out – use your PTO to rest and recover. It‘s better to take one day off than to come in sick and risk infecting your coworkers and customers.
Be mindful of your breaks
It‘s easy to lose track of time when you‘re chatting with colleagues or checking your phone on break. But returning even a few minutes late can result in attendance points. Set an alarm or timer to ensure you‘re back on the sales floor on time.
Take care of yourself
Maintaining good physical and mental health is key to minimizing absenteeism. Make sure you‘re getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and finding healthy ways to manage stress. If you‘re struggling with a chronic health issue or personal problem, don‘t hesitate to reach out to Walmart‘s employee assistance program for support.
Excused Absences and Leaves of Absence
While the attendance point system is designed to be fairly rigid, there are some situations where absences may be excused or points removed. Here are a few examples:
- Bereavement leave for the death of an immediate family member
- Jury duty with proper documentation
- FMLA-approved absences for serious health conditions or family care
- Reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Severe weather events that result in store closures
If you think you‘ve been wrongly given attendance points for an excused absence, reach out to your manager or HR representative. They can help you file an appeal to have the points removed.
It‘s also important to understand your rights and options when it comes to leaves of absence. Walmart offers several types of leaves, including:
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave
- Non-FMLA medical leave
- Military leave
- Personal leave
Each type of leave has its own eligibility requirements, approval process, and job protection provisions. If you‘re considering taking a leave of absence, work closely with your HR representative to ensure you‘re following the correct procedures and your points are being handled appropriately.
Progressive Disciplinary Action for Attendance Points
So what happens if you do start accumulating points? Walmart follows a progressive disciplinary action process for attendance violations. Here‘s a general breakdown:
| Points | Disciplinary Action |
|---|---|
| 3 | Verbal warning |
| 5 | First written warning |
| 7 | Second written warning |
| 9 | Termination |
Keep in mind that these thresholds may vary slightly by store or individual. Your manager has some discretion in how they apply disciplinary action based on factors like your overall job performance and the specific circumstances of your absences.
In my experience, most managers want to see their associates succeed. If you‘re struggling with attendance, schedule a one-on-one conversation with your supervisor to discuss your challenges and create an improvement plan. They may be able to offer guidance, resources, or accommodations to help you get back on track.
Real-Life Examples and Lessons Learned
Before we wrap up, I want to share a couple personal anecdotes that illustrate the importance of good attendance.
When I was a new department manager, I had an associate who was consistently 5-10 minutes late for his shifts. He was a hard worker and well-liked by the team, so I didn‘t think much of it at first. But as the tardiness continued, I noticed it was having a ripple effect on the rest of the team. Other associates had to pick up the slack, which led to frustration and resentment.
I sat down with the associate and had an open, honest conversation about the impact of his tardiness. We worked together to identify the root cause (traffic delays) and come up with a solution (adjusting his shift start time by 15 minutes). With that small change and renewed commitment, he was able to get his attendance back on track and ultimately earn a promotion.
On the flip side, I also had an associate with a serious attendance problem. Despite multiple warnings and attempts at coaching, she continued to miss shifts and accumulate points. Ultimately, we had to let her go. It was a difficult decision, but her unreliability was negatively impacting the rest of the team and our ability to serve customers.
The takeaway? Attendance matters, even if it seems like a small thing in the grand scheme of your job duties. By being proactive, communicative, and committed to reliability, you can set yourself up for success at Walmart and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
We‘ve covered a lot of ground in this guide, but you may still have some lingering questions. Here are answers to a few of the most common ones I hear from associates:
What if I have a medical condition that requires frequent absences?
If you have a serious health condition or disability that impacts your attendance, you may be eligible for reasonable accommodations under the ADA or FMLA. Talk to your HR representative about your options and how to request accommodations.
Can I make up missed shifts to remove attendance points?
In some cases, yes. If you miss a shift due to an unexpected circumstance like a car breakdown or family emergency, talk to your manager about picking up an extra shift to make up the hours. They may be willing to remove the points as an incentive. Just be sure to have the conversation as soon as possible after the absence.
What happens if I accumulate attendance points and then transfer to another store?
If you transfer to another Walmart store, your attendance points will transfer with you. However, the 6-month rolling period will reset from your transfer date, giving you a fresh start at your new store.
Can I be fired for a single no-call, no-show absence?
Technically, yes. A no-call, no-show absence (i.e., failing to show up for a scheduled shift without notifying your manager) is considered a serious violation of Walmart‘s attendance policy. Even one instance can result in termination, especially if you‘re already on thin ice with points. Always, always call in if you can‘t make it to work.
The Bottom Line
Attendance may not be the most glamorous part of your job, but it‘s one of the most important. By understanding how the Walmart point system works, being proactive in managing your time off, and communicating openly with your manager, you can build a reputation as a reliable, valued member of the Walmart team.
Remember, your managers and HR representatives are there to support you. If you‘re ever unsure about your points balance or need guidance on improving your attendance, don‘t hesitate to reach out. With a little effort and commitment, you can achieve perfect attendance – and reap the rewards in your paycheck and career growth.
Thanks for reading, and best of luck on your Walmart journey!
