Congratulations on your new job at Walmart! As you prepare to start your career with the world‘s largest private employer, you‘re probably eager to learn more about what orientation will entail. Walmart is known for its comprehensive onboarding process that sets new associates up for long-term success. In this in-depth guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about Walmart orientation, including what to expect, how to prepare, and tips for excelling from day one.
Walmart at a Glance
Before we dive into orientation specifics, let‘s take a moment to appreciate the massive scale of the company you‘re joining. Walmart is a retail giant with a global presence and immense impact on the economy and job market. Here are some key facts and figures that highlight Walmart‘s size and influence:
| Walmart Statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| Revenue (2022) | $572.8 billion |
| Employees worldwide | 2.3 million |
| Stores worldwide | 10,500 |
| Countries of operation | 24 |
Sources: Walmart 2022 Annual Report, Walmart.com
As you can see, Walmart is an enormous organization with a workforce larger than the population of some countries. With such scale comes a highly standardized and efficient approach to employee training. Walmart invests heavily in onboarding to ensure that every associate, from entry-level to executive, is equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed in their role and contribute to the company‘s mission of "saving people money so they can live better."
What to Expect During Walmart Orientation
Walmart‘s orientation program is designed to introduce new hires to the company‘s culture, values, policies, and procedures. It also provides role-specific training to ensure that associates can perform their job duties effectively and safely. The exact length and format of orientation can vary depending on your position and location, but here‘s a general overview of what you can expect:
Orientation Schedule
| Orientation Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | – Welcome and introduction to Walmart – Review of policies and procedures – Safety training – Diversity and inclusion training |
| Day 2 | – Department-specific training – Equipment and technology training – Customer service training – On-the-job shadowing |
| Day 3+ | – Additional role-specific training as needed – Ongoing mentorship and on-the-job learning |
Source: Walmart Careers Website
As you can see, orientation typically begins with an introduction to Walmart as a company, including its history, mission, and values. You‘ll learn about key policies and procedures that apply to all associates, such as the dress code, attendance policy, and code of conduct. Safety training is also a top priority, as Walmart wants to ensure that all associates can perform their duties without risk of injury.
On the second day of orientation, you‘ll typically receive more specific training related to your department and role. This may include learning how to use particular equipment or technology, such as cash registers, handheld scanners, or inventory management systems. You‘ll also receive customer service training to learn how to interact with shoppers and handle common scenarios like returns, complaints, or questions.
Depending on your position, orientation may extend beyond the first two days. For example, if you‘re a pharmacy technician, you may have additional training on medication safety and patient privacy. If you‘re a department manager, you may have leadership training and mentorship with an experienced manager.
Training Modules and Activities
During orientation, you‘ll participate in a variety of training modules and activities designed to reinforce key concepts and skills. These may include:
- Classroom-style lectures and presentations
- Group discussions and role-playing exercises
- Hands-on practice with equipment and technology
- Quizzes and assessments to check for understanding
- Job shadowing with experienced associates
Walmart employs a blended learning approach that combines traditional instruction with interactive, multimedia content. For example, you may watch training videos, complete online modules, or use virtual reality simulations to practice customer service scenarios.
One unique aspect of Walmart‘s training is the Walmart Academy program. These dedicated training facilities offer immersive, experiential learning for associates at all levels. According to Walmart, more than 52,000 associates have graduated from a Walmart Academy since 2016. The curriculum covers topics such as leadership, merchandising, operations, and technology. If you‘re selected to attend a Walmart Academy during your tenure, it‘s a fantastic opportunity to deepen your skills and advance your career.
Tips for Succeeding in Walmart Orientation
Starting a new job can be overwhelming, but there are several things you can do to set yourself up for success during orientation:
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Come prepared: Review any materials provided before orientation, such as the employee handbook or dress code policy. Bring a notepad and pen to jot down important information, as well as any required paperwork or identification.
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Be punctual: Arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to orientation each day. This shows respect for your trainers and fellow associates and ensures you don‘t miss any critical information.
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Dress professionally: Even if you‘ll be wearing a uniform on the job, dress neatly and professionally for orientation. This helps make a positive first impression and demonstrates your commitment to the role.
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Participate actively: Engage in discussions, ask questions, and volunteer for activities. This shows your enthusiasm for learning and helps you retain information better.
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Take notes: Write down key points, instructions, and tips shared by your trainers. You can refer back to these notes later as you start your job. Don‘t be afraid to ask for clarification if needed.
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Connect with colleagues: Orientation is a great opportunity to meet your fellow new hires and start building relationships. These connections can provide support and camaraderie as you navigate your new role.
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Show respect: Treat your trainers, fellow associates, and customers with respect at all times. Walmart values diversity and inclusion, so be open to learning from people with different backgrounds and perspectives.
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Stay positive: Learning a new job can be stressful, but try to maintain a positive attitude. View challenges as opportunities to grow and remember that everyone was once new on the job.
By following these tips, you‘ll demonstrate your commitment to your new role and make a positive impression on your trainers and managers.
How Walmart‘s Training Compares to Other Retailers
Walmart is often viewed as a leader in employee training and development, but how does its orientation process compare to other major retailers? Here‘s a quick comparison:
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Target: Target‘s orientation program typically lasts 1-2 days and covers similar topics to Walmart, such as company culture, policies, and job-specific training. However, Target places a greater emphasis on its "guest-centric" approach and empowering employees to make decisions to enhance the customer experience.
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Amazon: Amazon‘s orientation focuses heavily on safety, given the physical nature of many roles in its warehouses and fulfillment centers. New hires participate in classroom training and hands-on practice with equipment like forklifts and conveyor belts. Amazon also emphasizes its "customer obsession" culture and the importance of metrics like quality and speed.
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Kroger: Kroger‘s orientation program varies by division but typically includes a combination of classroom training, e-learning modules, and on-the-job shadowing. Like Walmart, Kroger emphasizes customer service and has a standardized approach to training across its stores.
While each retailer has its own unique culture and approach to training, they all recognize the importance of investing in comprehensive orientation to set employees up for success. By dedicating time and resources to onboarding, these companies can improve retention, engagement, and performance over time.
Conclusion
Walmart orientation is a critical first step in your career with the company. By participating fully and applying the knowledge and skills you gain, you‘ll be well-prepared to excel in your role and grow with Walmart over time. Remember, orientation is just the beginning – Walmart offers ongoing training and development opportunities to help you reach your full potential.
As Doug McMillon, Walmart‘s CEO, has said, "Our people make the difference. We‘re investing in our associates through increased training, education and wages because we know when they grow, the company grows too."
By joining Walmart, you‘re becoming part of a global team dedicated to making a difference in the lives of customers and communities around the world. Embrace the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to this mission. Welcome to the Walmart family!
