As the largest private employer in the United States, Walmart relies on the punctuality and reliability of its 1.6 million associates to ensure smooth daily operations. To maintain a well-coordinated workforce, the company has implemented a late policy based on a point system. In this article, we‘ll take an in-depth look at Walmart‘s late policy, its implications for associates, and the steps you can take to maintain good attendance.
The Rationale Behind Walmart‘s Point System
Walmart‘s point system is designed to strike a balance between the company‘s operational needs and the flexibility required by associates. According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), unscheduled absenteeism costs employers an average of $3,600 per year for each hourly worker and $2,650 each year for salaried employees (SHRM, 2017). By implementing a clear and fair attendance policy, Walmart aims to minimize the financial impact of absenteeism while still providing associates with the ability to manage their personal lives.
The point system works as follows:
| Infraction | Points |
|---|---|
| 15 minutes to 2 hours late for shift | 0.5 |
| More than 2 hours late or missing half of shift | 1 |
| No-show for scheduled shift without prior notice | 2 |
| Unexcused absence during a holiday shift | 3 |
Associates can accumulate up to 5 points within a six-month period before facing termination. This policy ensures that Walmart can effectively manage its large workforce while providing associates with a clear understanding of the consequences of excessive tardiness or absenteeism.
Reporting Absences and Lateness
If you find yourself running late or unable to attend your scheduled shift, it‘s crucial to inform your manager as soon as possible. Walmart provides several convenient ways to report absences and lateness:
- OneWalmart website: Log in to your account and navigate to the designated portal to register your absence.
- Walmart Associate Information Line: Call 1-800-775-5944 to report your situation.
- Local Walmart store: Contact your store directly and speak with the manager on duty.
Timely communication is key to minimizing the impact of your absence on store operations and your colleagues. A study by the Workforce Institute at Kronos found that 55% of retail managers believe that last-minute absenteeism is one of the most difficult aspects of creating and managing schedules (Kronos, 2018). By promptly reporting your absence or lateness, you can help your manager adjust schedules and allocate resources more effectively.
Authorized Absences and Point Expiration
Not all absences result in points being added to an associate‘s record. Walmart recognizes that certain situations may require time off and has outlined the following authorized absences that do not incur points:
- Pregnancy
- Bereavement
- Medical-related accommodations
- FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) leave
It‘s important to note that points do not accumulate indefinitely. Walmart resets each associate‘s points every six months, allowing for a fresh start and accommodating unexpected emergencies or obligations that may arise. This policy demonstrates Walmart‘s understanding that life events can sometimes interfere with work schedules and that associates should not be penalized indefinitely for occasional absences.
Rewarding Good Attendance
In addition to discouraging tardiness and absenteeism, Walmart also recognizes and rewards associates who maintain excellent attendance. As of 2019, both full-time and part-time associates are eligible for increased quarterly bonuses based on their attendance record:
- Perfect attendance: Associates with no points receive an additional 25% of their regular quarterly bonus.
- Good attendance: Associates with one or two points may still qualify for an increased bonus.
In 2019 alone, Walmart hourly associates earned nearly $800 million in bonuses, showcasing the company‘s commitment to acknowledging and appreciating the efforts of its dedicated workforce (Walmart, 2020). By offering financial incentives for good attendance, Walmart encourages associates to prioritize punctuality and reliability, leading to a more stable and efficient workforce.
The Role of Technology in Attendance Management
Walmart leverages technology to streamline attendance tracking and management through the GTA Time Clock app. Associates are required to clock in and out using the app, which ensures accurate records of work hours and helps maintain compliance with attendance policies.
The use of technology in attendance management is not unique to Walmart. A survey by the American Payroll Association found that 64% of companies use time and attendance systems to track employee hours (APA, 2019). By automating the process, companies can reduce errors, prevent time theft, and gain valuable insights into workforce productivity.
As technology continues to advance, it‘s likely that attendance management systems will become even more sophisticated, offering features such as real-time alerts for managers when associates are late or absent, predictive analytics to forecast staffing needs, and integration with other HR systems to provide a comprehensive view of employee performance.
Comparing Walmart‘s Late Policy to Other Retailers
While many large retailers have attendance policies in place, Walmart‘s point system stands out for its clarity and relative leniency. For example, Amazon‘s attendance policy is based on a system of "occurrences," with employees receiving one occurrence for each unexcused absence or two occurrences for a no-show. Employees who accumulate six occurrences within a rolling 12-month period may be terminated (Amazon, 2021).
Target‘s attendance policy is similar to Walmart‘s, with a point system that assigns one point for absences and half a point for tardy arrivals. However, Target employees can accumulate up to eight points before facing termination, compared to Walmart‘s five-point threshold (Target, 2021).
Costco, known for its generous employee benefits, takes a more lenient approach to attendance. The company does not have a formal point system but instead relies on managers to address attendance issues on a case-by-case basis (Costco, 2021). This approach allows for greater flexibility but may also lead to inconsistencies in how attendance problems are handled across different stores.
The Impact of Excessive Tardiness and Absenteeism on Career Progression
While the most immediate consequence of accumulating 5 points under Walmart‘s late policy is termination, the impact of excessive tardiness and absenteeism can extend beyond your current job. Potential future employers may request references or inquire about your attendance record, and a history of unreliability can hinder your prospects.
Moreover, frequent tardiness or absenteeism can limit your opportunities for advancement within Walmart. A study by the Center for American Progress found that absenteeism can lead to reduced productivity, increased turnover, and lower morale among employees (CAP, 2017). Associates who consistently demonstrate reliability and punctuality are more likely to be considered for promotions and leadership roles.
Strategies for Maintaining Good Attendance
To avoid accumulating points and maintain a good attendance record, consider the following strategies:
- Familiarize yourself with your schedule and plan accordingly.
- Set multiple alarms to ensure you wake up on time for early shifts.
- Allow extra travel time to account for potential delays or unforeseen circumstances.
- If you‘re feeling unwell, assess whether you can safely perform your duties or if it‘s best to stay home and recover.
- Communicate any scheduled absences, such as doctor‘s appointments or family events, well in advance.
- Take advantage of Walmart‘s resources, such as the Associate Assistance Program, to help manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
By proactively managing your attendance, you can demonstrate your commitment to your job and position yourself as a valuable team member.
The Future of Attendance Policies in the Retail Industry
As the retail industry continues to evolve, attendance policies may need to adapt to changing workforce dynamics and employee expectations. The rise of flexible work arrangements, such as remote work and variable schedules, may require retailers to reassess traditional attendance policies.
Furthermore, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of paid sick leave and flexible attendance policies that allow employees to prioritize their health and well-being. A survey by the National Partnership for Women & Families found that 79% of workers believe that all employers should be required to provide paid sick days (NPWF, 2020). As public opinion shifts in favor of more accommodating attendance policies, retailers may need to adjust their approaches to remain competitive in attracting and retaining talent.
Walmart‘s late policy serves as an example of how a large retailer can balance the need for reliability with the understanding that life events can sometimes interfere with work schedules. By offering a clear point system, opportunities for point removal, and attendance bonuses, Walmart has created a policy that is both fair and effective in managing its vast workforce.
Conclusion
Walmart‘s late policy is an essential component of the company‘s efforts to maintain a well-coordinated and reliable workforce. By understanding the point system, reporting absences and lateness promptly, and taking advantage of the opportunities to have points removed or earn increased bonuses, associates can navigate the policy effectively and maintain good attendance.
Remember, your punctuality and reliability not only contribute to your personal success but also to the overall performance and morale of your store. By making attendance a priority and communicating openly with your managers, you can thrive as a Walmart associate and build a strong foundation for your career.
As the retail industry continues to evolve, attendance policies may need to adapt to changing workforce dynamics and employee expectations. Walmart‘s approach to managing attendance serves as a model for balancing the needs of the company with the realities of associates‘ lives, and its success in this area may influence other retailers to adopt similar policies in the future.
