As of 2022, Walmart remains the largest retailer globally, with an astonishing $538.15 billion in revenue. With this giant dominating the retail space, one can only imagine the thousands of employees that work behind the scenes to make this happen. Therefore, considering this large workforce, topics such as the recruitment phase, company culture, and several others might be intriguing to research, but did you know that Walmart has an interesting 90-day probation period for new trainee employees? Let us know Walmart 90-day Probation.
What is this Walmart 90-Day Probation?
When new employees get into Walmart, they go through probation training, orientation, and assessment. Each recruit is monitored closely by management during this period. Reviews based on compliance with rules and company culture, as well as punctuality, are closely monitored. Generally, if an employee can go through the first 90 days with a fair assessment score, they are a good fit for the company.
Besides scrutiny, employees also undergo orientation on the company’s culture. They are taught the required mode of operations within the company. In this probationary period, recruits learn how things function within the ecosystem. Depending on the departments and nature of work, this period serves as a space for mentoring recruits and guiding them into the work system.
There is also training to teach the recruits about the work they will be doing. As well as other added management support and education needed.
The Risk and Rewards of the Probation Period
Although the concept of a probation period for new hires isn’t peculiar to this retail giant, they have ways to include other exciting attachments to theirs.
For Walmart, total employee benefits get restricted throughout the period of probation. Although the company pays recruits in full, they have limited access to the full privileges afforded to staff. A general misconception about the probation period is that it is entirely for the employer to make assessments on recruits. However, that notion is untrue, as employees also use this time to monitor the working conditions, treatment, and culture present in the establishment. It gives space for employees to decide if they love the organisation enough to commit their time to work.
A significant difference between an employee on probation and one that has completed this period is the entitlement to paid leave of absence. They also benefit by getting the employee discount — a percentage discount on goods bought within the store. A company match for stock purchases and tons of other benefits are also perks for becoming a Walmart employee. Meanwhile, a risk would be the company’s right to fire an employee working below expectation at any point in time during this probation period.
Re-application for Walmart 90-day Probation
The probation period is not a test. Neither is it an examination. If an individual gets laid off during the probation phase, it is indicative of a poor relationship with work or a failure to meet employment criteria. In most cases, a reason for not meeting Walmart’s standards is poor attendance records. However, issues like sickness and several other personal problems can hamper recruitment. And usually, for cases like these, the chances of being accepted again are very high. However, the individual would have to wait for 90 days before submitting a new application.
This period goes up to six months or a year for severe matters like poor customer relationships. However, we all know that no employer would accept a second application from someone fired for themes such as theft or assault.
Interestingly, Walmart introduced an attendance point system. A policy across its board as a reward system and a means curbs tardiness and absenteeism. The reward system coincides with the probation system, enabling management to monitor how employees show up throughout an operation year. For example, if a recruit misses a day of work with no proper approval, they are penalized by one point. And employees can earn between six to nine points. This system enables the supervisors to properly access their employees through probation and either move to hire or fire them.
At the expiration of this probation period, the employee is taken off probation and placed as a staff. Full employee benefits are issued, and the management’s expectation heightens, considering that the employee now understands the total operations and duties of the job.
Walmart prides itself on being a company that has strong foundational beliefs built to withstand any toughness. The company’s number one value is for its customers and lists; respect for the individual, acting with integrity, and service to the customer, as fundamental beliefs guiding its operations. Therefore, recruits can be sure to experience a favourable working environment before and after their probation period.
Conclusion
Walmart’s protection period lasts for 90 days. These 90 days are days for both the employer and the employee to access each other. The employer looks out for favourable attitudes and other requirements necessary for filling the desired role and, at the same time, equips them on how to function maximally in the position of employment. They do this by providing the necessary guidance and training. At the same time, the employee also uses the time to determine their willingness to work with the establishment. They observe its rules, requirements, and work environment.
At the end of this extended period, if both parties are compatible enough to work with each other, then a positive working relationship can materialize.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are their ways of positively scaling through this probation?
Answer;
Yes. A general rule of thumb is to show up intentionally. Be interested in the work that you do. And try to learn as fast as possible.
2. Can a recruit be fired at the end of the probation period?
Answer;
Yes. The company can fire a recruit during the probation period. Firing a recruit is based on the behaviour while working with the company.
3. Are employees paid during this probation period?
Answer;
Yes. This probation period is a paid one. Although, the figure paid might be less than the amount for staff in the same position.
Figure 1- Grammarly Score
