Walmart Late Policy 2023: A Comprehensive Guide

Walmart, the largest private employer in the US, has strict attendance policies to maintain smooth operations across its 4,750+ stores. But what exactly does their late policy entail in 2024? This in-depth guide covers all key details that associates need to know.

The Walmart Point System: How It Really Works

The core of Walmart‘s attendance policy is a point-based system to track associate lateness and unplanned absences. But how does it actually work?

Here‘s a breakdown of how points are accrued:

• Arriving 15 minutes to 2 hours late: 1/2 point
• Arriving late by over half of scheduled shift: 1 point
• No show for scheduled shift: 2 points
• Associates can accumulate up to 5 points in a rolling 6-month period before termination

This system was updated in 2019 from the previous threshold of 9 points to the current 5 points.

Some key historical perspective on the points system:

• First introduced in 1993, originally set at 6 points
• Gradually declined over the years from 6 to 4.5 to 3.5 points
• Reduced again to 9 points in 2016 before the current 5 point system

Experts theorize the gradual decline aimed to provide associates more leeway and reduce costly employee turnover. However, excessive tardiness still takes a toll on store operations.

According to Walmart‘s 2020 Environment, Social & Governance Report:

• Approximately 300,000 associates faced point accumulation issues
• Over 170,000 associates were terminated for attendance problems

This highlights the scale of absenteeism challenges faced by Walmart. The points system, despite criticisms, provides standardized tracking to discourage attendance policy abuse.

Reporting Late Arrivals or Absences

Associates must proactively notify management when running late or unable to make a scheduled shift.

The main methods for reporting include:

• Logging the absence through the electronic Time Adjustment Request form on OneWalmart
• Calling the associate information line at 1-800-775-5944
• Directly informing the store manager on duty
• Submission of any forms or documentation required based on absence reason (see authorized absences section below)

Failure to directly notify the store of lateness or absences can still result in point accrual, even for authorized absences.

No Points For Authorized Absences

Walmart does not count authorized absences towards the 5 point limit that could lead to termination.

Some examples of authorized absences include:

• Bereavement leave
• Jury duty
• Family & medical leave
• Military leave
• Disability accommodation
• Approved vacation time

However, associates must still complete any required paperwork and provide documentation to managers, such as:

• Bereavement: Obituary, funeral service program
• Jury duty: Court notice, jury summons
• Medical: Doctor‘s note

Unreported absences or failure to provide documentation can still earn attendance points, even for authorized absence reasons.

Rewards For Good Attendance

In 2019, Walmart implemented an attendance bonus incentive. Associates with perfect attendance now receive a 25% increase on their regular quarterly MyShare bonuses.

Even those with just 1-2 points can get slight MyShare bonus increases.

Some key stats on Walmart‘s attendance bonus program:

• Over 300,000 associates received the perfect attendance bonus in 2020
• Associates with 1-2 points still got bonuses averaging $150 – $300 extra
• Total bonuses paid: est. $800 million

This aims to boost motivation and recognize those who maintain consistent, on-time scheduling.

Impact of Lateness on Walmart Operations

Excessive lateness and unplanned absences can significantly impair Walmart store operations, hence the strict policies.

Some examples of the impact:

• Customer experience – long checkout lines, inability to find help
• Lost sales – unmanned registers during peak times
• Productivity loss – other associates pulled away to cover missing shifts
• Safety risks – understaffed stores, fatigue from double shifts

Analysts estimate absenteeism costs US companies up to $3600 per employee annually in lost productivity. For Walmart, with over 1.6 million associates, the effects could amount to billions in revenue impacts.

Curbing lateness is thus crucial for maintaining excellent customer service standards and productivity. Associates play a key role in ensuring smooth store operations by adhering to schedules.

Tips For Associates To Avoid Lateness

Here are some tips for associates to avoid accumulating attendance points:

• Set multiple alarm reminders for your shift start time
• Prepare uniform, badges, and meals the night before
• Budget extra commute time for traffic/delays
• Arrange for back-up transportation if needed
• Swap shifts early if expecting conflicts
• Maintain open communication with managers on potential lateness

Following these best practices can help associates stay compliant with Walmart’s attendance policies and reap the rewards of perfect attendance bonuses.

The Bottom Line

Walmart‘s late policy utilizes a comprehensive point system to track associate lateness and unplanned absences. While authorized absences don‘t incur points, consistent tardiness can rapidly accumulate and result in termination.

Associates play a crucial role in enabling excellent store operations by maintaining punctual, regular attendance. With proper preparation, reliance on the points system can be avoided.