As the largest private employer in the United States, Walmart is known for its sprawling supercenters, diverse product offerings, and competitive prices. But behind the scenes, Walmart is also navigating the complex task of staffing its stores with over 1.6 million associates across more than 4,700 locations.
Scheduling this massive workforce is no easy feat, especially given the varied availability and preferences of Walmart associates. According to data from the National Bureau of Economic Research, the average Walmart associate works about 32 hours per week, with 46% working part-time and 54% working full-time. But these schedules are far from static – associates‘ availability can change over time due to a variety of personal and professional factors.
As a Walmart associate, your availability – the days and times you are able to work – is a crucial component of your job. It impacts your earnings, your work-life balance, and your ability to advance within the company. So what happens when your availability needs to change? How can you effectively communicate your scheduling needs to Walmart management and reach a mutually beneficial solution?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive deep into the process of changing your availability at Walmart. We‘ll explore the company‘s scheduling policies, the steps for submitting an availability change request, and expert tips for getting your desired schedule approved. Whether you‘re a seasoned Walmart veteran or a new hire, this article will equip you with the knowledge and strategies you need to take control of your time at Walmart.
Understanding Walmart‘s Scheduling System
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of changing your availability, it‘s essential to have a baseline understanding of how Walmart approaches scheduling. Unlike some retailers that rely solely on automated scheduling software, Walmart takes a more personalized approach that factors in associate availability preferences.
When you‘re hired at Walmart, you‘ll typically discuss your scheduling needs and limitations with your manager or People Lead. This helps them get a sense of the days and times you‘re available to work, which they can then enter into the scheduling system. Walmart‘s scheduling software then uses this availability data, along with other factors like customer traffic patterns and sales forecasts, to generate schedules for each store department.
However, Walmart‘s scheduling system is not a "set it and forget it" model. Associate availability can change frequently for a variety of reasons – school schedules, family obligations, health issues, second jobs, and more. To accommodate these changing needs, Walmart has established formal policies and procedures for associates to modify their availability.
It‘s worth noting that while Walmart does its best to honor associate availability preferences, business needs ultimately take priority. Managers are tasked with ensuring each store is adequately staffed to provide excellent customer service and keep operations running smoothly. This means that in some cases, associates may be asked to work outside their stated availability or have their availability change requests denied if it would leave the store in a bind.
Walmart‘s Availability Policies
Now that you have a high-level understanding of Walmart‘s approach to scheduling, let‘s take a closer look at the company‘s specific policies around associate availability.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Availability
Walmart offers both full-time and part-time roles, which come with different expectations around scheduling availability. According to internal documents obtained by Bloomberg, Walmart defines full-time status as working 34 hours or more per week, while part-time is considered anything less than 34 hours.
Full-time Walmart associates are generally expected to have open availability, meaning they can be scheduled to work any day or time as needed by the business. There may be some wiggle room for specific scheduling accommodations, but by and large, full-time associates are depended on to be available whenever they are needed.
Part-time Walmart associates, on the other hand, have more flexibility to restrict their availability. They may choose to only work certain days of the week or certain shifts (e.g., mornings only). However, Walmart does still expect part-time associates to have some weekend and evening availability, as these tend to be the busiest shopping times.
Submitting Availability Changes
If your scheduling availability needs to change for any reason, Walmart requires associates to submit a formal request at least three weeks before the change needs to take effect. This allows managers sufficient time to adjust staffing plans and finalize upcoming schedules.
To submit an availability change request, associates need to follow these steps:
-
Obtain an availability change request form from your manager or People Lead. This form is also available digitally on the OneWalmart portal.
-
Fill out the form completely, specifying the exact days and times you will be available to work going forward. If your availability is changing due to a new school or work schedule, you may want to attach documentation like a class schedule or offer letter.
-
Submit the completed form to your direct supervisor for their review and signature. Your manager may want to sit down with you to discuss the reasons for your availability change and ensure they understand your scheduling needs and limitations.
-
Once your manager has signed off on the request, submit the form to your store‘s People Lead. They will have final approval over whether the availability change can be accommodated based on your store‘s staffing plans and needs.
-
If approved, your new availability will be entered into Walmart‘s scheduling system and will take effect after the upcoming three-week scheduling period is finalized.
It‘s important to note that availability change requests are not automatically guaranteed to be approved. Walmart managers have the discretion to deny availability changes if they would pose significant challenges for store operations, such as leaving major gaps in coverage or overburdening other associates to pick up the slack.
Reasons for Changing Availability
There are countless reasons why a Walmart associate may need to modify their work availability. Some of the most common scenarios include:
• Enrolling in school or training programs that have set class schedules
• Taking on a second job to supplement income
• Changes in childcare or eldercare arrangements
• Relocating further from your store location
• Health issues that require regular medical appointments
• Modifications in transportation options or commute times
Whatever your reason for submitting an availability change request, it‘s best to be as transparent and communicative with your manager as possible. Share the specific reason for your scheduling conflict, along with any relevant documentation or context. Demonstrate that you have put thought into how you can still support the needs of the business while working around your new schedule constraints.
Most managers are willing to work with associates to find mutually beneficial solutions, as long as associates approach the conversation in a professional, solutions-oriented way. Emphasize your commitment to your role at Walmart and express appreciation for any accommodations they can provide.
Strategies for Getting Your Availability Change Approved
Even if you have a compelling reason for changing your availability, there‘s no guarantee that your Walmart store will be able to honor your scheduling preferences. Especially during peak shopping seasons or in stores with staffing shortages, managers may have limited flexibility to approve availability changes that restrict needed coverage.
However, there are steps you can take as an associate to increase the likelihood of having your availability change request approved:
1. Plan ahead as much as possible
The more notice you are able to give your manager about your availability change, the better. While the formal policy only requires three weeks‘ notice, if you can anticipate scheduling changes months in advance (e.g., a new semester starting), let your manager know as early as you can so they can plan accordingly.
2. Be willing to compromise and think creatively
Approach your availability change request as the start of a conversation, not an ultimatum. Express your ideal scheduling preferences, but also be open to exploring alternative solutions that meet your needs and the store‘s needs. For example, if evenings no longer work for you, perhaps you could take on some less desirable shifts like overnights or early mornings instead.
3. Leverage your strong performance
If you have a track record as a reliable, high-performing Walmart associate, don‘t be afraid to respectfully remind your manager of the value you bring to the team. They may be more inclined to accommodate scheduling requests for their star players in order to keep them engaged and motivated.
4. Offer to help with the transition
Demonstrate your commitment to being a team player by volunteering to help train your replacement or identify other associates who may be able to take on your previous shifts. By being proactive and solutions-oriented, you show your manager that you‘re not simply expecting them to solve the scheduling problem for you.
5. Escalate the request if needed
If you believe you have a strong case for changing your availability and your direct supervisor is unwilling to budge, consider escalating your request to your store manager or market-level HR representative. Just be prepared to make a compelling argument for why the change is necessary and how it aligns with Walmart‘s policies and values around work-life balance.
What to Do If Your Availability Change Is Denied
Even if you follow all of these best practices, there may still be cases where your availability change request is simply not feasible for your store at a given time. Managers have to make tough decisions to balance the needs of the associates and the needs of the business, and sometimes that may mean prioritizing certain availability preferences over others.
If your request for an availability change is denied, the first step is to seek to fully understand the reasoning behind the decision. Schedule a time to connect with your manager and give them the opportunity to explain their thought process. Approach the conversation with an open mind and avoid becoming defensive or argumentative.
Once you understand your manager‘s perspective, reflect on whether there are any changes you could make to your request that would make it more workable. Could you tweak your availability window by a few hours to cover a key shift? Could you commit to working one weekend per month? Is there a different department or role that would be more compatible with your new schedule? Don‘t hesitate to think outside the box and explore creative solutions.
If you‘ve exhausted all options and simply cannot make your desired schedule work at Walmart, you may need to evaluate whether your current role is still a feasible fit. Have an honest conversation with your manager about whether there are any other positions available that could be more accommodating, either at your current store or a different location.
Your Rights as a Walmart Associate
As you navigate the process of changing your availability at Walmart, it‘s important to understand your rights and protections as an employee. While Walmart does have considerable discretion in setting schedules based on business needs, there are certain labor laws and company policies they must adhere to.
Accommodations for protected reasons
If your availability change request is related to a disability, medical condition, or religious observance, Walmart has a legal obligation to provide reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This could include modifying your schedule, reassigning you to a different role, or providing you with necessary equipment or assistance.
If you require an availability accommodation for one of these protected reasons, reach out to Walmart‘s Accommodation Service Center for guidance on submitting a request. They can work with you and your manager to determine appropriate accommodations that meet both your needs and the store‘s needs.
Fair scheduling practices
While Walmart is not legally required to guarantee you a certain number of hours or a perfectly consistent schedule as an at-will employee, they must follow certain fair scheduling practices. For example, they must provide you with adequate notice of your scheduled shifts (typically at least a few days in advance) and pay you for all hours worked, even if you are scheduled outside your stated availability preferences.
If you believe Walmart is not following fair scheduling practices or is retaliating against you for requesting an availability change, you have the right to raise your concerns. Walmart‘s Open Door policy encourages associates to bring issues to their manager, market HR team, or the anonymous ethics hotline without fear of reprisal.
Access to earned benefits
Changing your availability at Walmart could impact your eligibility for certain benefits, depending on whether you maintain full-time or part-time status. For example, Walmart currently offers health insurance benefits to associates who work an average of 30 hours per week.
However, Walmart cannot unfairly restrict your access to earned wages or paid time off just because your availability has changed. They must pay out any unused vacation time if you leave the company and cannot withhold your final paycheck if you give notice of an availability change or resignation.
By educating yourself on your rights as a Walmart associate, you can advocate for yourself and ensure you are being treated fairly as you navigate availability changes. Don‘t be afraid to ask questions, seek guidance from trusted resources, and escalate concerns if you believe your rights are being violated.
The Future of Scheduling at Walmart
Walmart‘s approach to scheduling and availability is not a static system – it is constantly evolving based on feedback from associates, market best practices, and changing workforce dynamics. In recent years, Walmart has made significant investments in technology and processes to make scheduling more predictable and flexible for associates.
For example, in 2019 Walmart rolled out a new scheduling system called "core hours" that aims to give associates more consistency in their schedules from week to week. Under this system, managers identify a core set of hours that an associate will be regularly scheduled, with some variability based on business needs.
Walmart has also expanded its "My Walmart Schedule" app, which allows associates to view schedules, swap shifts, and pick up additional shifts right from their smartphone. The app uses algorithms to match associates with open shifts that fit their availability and preferences, giving them more control over their schedules.
Looking ahead, Walmart has expressed a commitment to enhancing schedule stability and flexibility for associates as a key component of its workforce strategy. In a blog post, Chief People Officer Donna Morris acknowledged that "our associates are the heart of our business, and our goal is to provide predictable, flexible schedules that allow them to plan for their futures."
Some potential future initiatives could include:
• Expanded use of technology to allow associates to input scheduling preferences and get real-time notifications of open shifts
• Increased cross-training to allow associates to pick up shifts in different departments based on their availability
• Experimenting with alternative scheduling models like job sharing or self-managed shift swapping
• Soliciting associate feedback on scheduling policies and piloting new approaches in select markets
• Providing more resources and support for associates navigating work-life balance challenges
As the nation‘s largest private employer, Walmart has an opportunity to be a leader in associate-friendly scheduling practices that promote stability, flexibility, and well-being. By staying attuned to the needs and preferences of its workforce, Walmart can create a scheduling model that works for both the business and the associates that power it.
Key Takeaways
Navigating availability changes at Walmart can feel daunting, but by following the right steps and advocating for your needs, you can successfully find a schedule that works for you. Here are the key points to remember:
• Walmart offers both full-time and part-time roles with different availability expectations. Full-time associates generally need open availability, while part-time associates can set more specific preferences.
• To change your availability, submit a formal request to your manager at least three weeks before the change needs to take effect. Be as specific and detailed as possible about your new availability and the reasons behind it.
• Managers have discretion to approve or deny availability change requests based on business needs. Increase your chances of approval by planning ahead, being flexible, leveraging your strong performance, and offering to help with the transition.
• If your availability change request is denied, seek to understand your manager‘s reasoning and explore alternative solutions or compromises. If there are no viable options, evaluate whether your current role is still a good fit.
• Know your rights around scheduling accommodations, fair scheduling practices, and earned benefits. Don‘t hesitate to raise concerns if you believe Walmart is not following policies or labor laws.
• Stay informed about Walmart‘s evolving approach to scheduling, which is likely to incorporate more technology, flexibility, and associate input in the coming years. Provide feedback to help shape the future of scheduling at your store.
By taking an informed and proactive approach to your scheduling availability, you can maximize your experience working at Walmart. Remember, your time and well-being are valuable – don‘t be afraid to speak up and advocate for the schedule you need to thrive both on and off the clock.
