On Wednesday, Walmart announced that it is planning to convert many of its hourly jobs in the nation to full-time positions. This announcement is a result of the huge retailer’s boost to retain workers and to add job stability.
Drew Holler, senior vice president, U.S. People Operations, mentioned the steps that Walmart will be taking in a blog post. He said that the company is a comfortable position and so it can offer its employees both stability as well as room for growth.
He said that they were in the process of making consistent schedules and skill trainings a priority. The company was adding new pathways for growth which made jobs at Walmart lead to careers at the company.
He added that they would attract and retain top talent by providing additional full-time opportunities. They would also training and equip their associates with tools that would make work easier.
He also said that about 53 percent of its hourly workforce held full-time positions in 2016. According to ASK Walmart, the retailer employs approximately 2.3 million associates worldwide. Walmart employs 1.6 million associates in the U.S. it operates about 10,500 retail units. These units are under 48 banners in 24 countries and in e-commerce sites.
Holler said that the new goal that was announced by Walmart on Wednesday was in line with the opportunities available in its distribution and fulfilment centers. These centers have more than 80 percent full-time workers.
Walmart, the largest retailer in the U.S., was one of the few companies who saw growth during the pandemic. Online sales grew rapidly. The company now hopes to retain a stable workforce so it can meet the demands of its consumers.
Walmart has also expanded its operations during the pandemic. It has entered into partnerships for last mile delivery with self-driving vehicles. It has filed for a fintech with Ribbit Capital. It is now looking to convert a majority of its workforce as full-time workers instead of hourly jobs as the largest retailer in the world grows further and expands to reach greater heights.
