Walmart Employee Evaluations in 2024: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Walmart‘s unique evaluation process impacts over 2.3 million associates each year. With promotions, raises, and even jobs on the line, it‘s crucial to understand how Walmart‘s reviews work and how to put your best foot forward. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know about Walmart‘s evaluation system in 2024.
A Thorough Look at Walmart‘s Evaluation Factors
Walmart evaluates employees based on two key factors: attendance and job performance. However, the full process is more complex than it seems.
Attendance Policy and Points System
Walmart tracks attendance via a 5-point system. Points are docked as follows:
- Tardy by 15-120 mins: 0.5 point
- Tardy by 2+ hours or leave early: 1 point
- Miss entire shift: 2 points
According to Walmart‘s corporate policy, employees may be terminated upon reaching 5 points in a 6-month rolling period.
However, store managers have discretion in enforcement. Some may terminate at 4 points or set their own limits. Transparency with your direct manager is key.
The Walmart Performance Evaluation Scale
Walmart evaluates job performance on a 5-point scale:
- Role Model (top 2% of associates)
- Exceeds Expectations
- Meets Expectations
- Needs Improvement
- Development Needed (bottom 10% of associates)
Scores are based on manager observations and can encompass customer service, productivity, work quality, teamwork, and more.
Evaluation Timelines and Procedures
Probation and 90 Day Evaluations
New hires enter a 90-day probationary period. At the end of this, an evaluation is completed to determine if the associate passes probation.
Failure to pass generally results in termination, unless the store manager approves an extended retraining period.
Annual Performance Evaluations
After passing initial probation, evaluations happen annually on the associate‘s hire date anniversary.
Q4 evaluations also factor into annual bonuses, further raising the stakes.
The process involves a one-on-one meeting with the associate‘s direct supervisor. Reviews typically last 30-60 minutes and cover:
- Attendance point totals
- Performance score
- Raise delivery if warranted
- Feedback on strengths & areas for improvement
- Training needs and plans
Consequences of Poor Evaluation Scores
Unsatisfactory evaluation scores can negatively impact an associate‘s career. For example:
- Repeatedly missing raises
- Losing out on promotions
- Being placed on retraining plans
- Even termination if issues persist
However, constructive feedback also presents opportunity for improvement. Keys include:
- Open communication with your manager
- Dedicated follow-through on any training plans
- Consistent focus on improving weaknesses
With effort, setbacks can often be temporary.
Walmart Evaluation Impacts on Pay Raises
Satisfactory evaluations typically come with a pay raise. Here are the average raise amounts Walmart has given in recent years:
| Evaluation Year | Average Raise |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 2% |
| 2021 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2% |
| 2019 | $0.40/hour |
| 2018 | $0.50/hour |
As you can see, raises have declined in recent years. Scoring highly on evaluations is essential to boosting pay over time.
Preparing for a Successful Walmart Evaluation
With the results carrying so much weight, associates should proactively prepare for evaluations:
- Maintain open communication with your manager about performance throughout the year
- Review your attendance points regularly to avoid surprises
- Track notable accomplishments to remind your manager
- Research standards for your role‘s performance rating scale
- Ask your manager for advice prior to the review
With dedication and preparation, Walmart‘s evaluation process can be an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your strengths, progress, and future potential.
