Walmart corporate employees will continue working remote until January 2021
by August 13, 2020 2:25 pm 4,861 views
Wal-Mart's corporate headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Walmart will continue having corporate office employees working remotely through Jan. 31, 2021. The retail giant just marked 20 weeks of remote working amid the COVID-19 pandemic and said it has accomplished much during the unprecedented time.
“Teams across the business are working with increased speed, productivity and a focus on innovation,” Donna Morris, chief people officer at Walmart, noted in an internal email to employees on Wednesday (Aug. 12). “For those of you with children at home, you are in the process of adapting to your kids returning to school. The status of the pandemic across the country remains dynamic, and we are continuing to actively monitor developments to slow the spread of the virus.”
She said the primary way Walmart will operate across all U.S. campus locations will be remote until at least Jan. 31, 2021, which is the end of the company’s fiscal year. Morris said while the majority of employees will continue working remotely, the retailer is also actively working to prepare offices for employees and teams who may occasionally need an office space.
Walmart is asking employees who need to work in an office to reserve a spot in advance on Walmart’s employee portal to ensure the company can stay below maximum capacity and maintain physical distancing. Morris noted this requirement is now only available for offices in Northwest Arkansas. She said employees will be asked to complete a health screening the day of their office visit prior to entering the building.
Morris said for employees outside of Northwest Arkansas the company is preparing to rework office spaces, so when they do return to the facilities they are set up safely. Morris said the situation remains fluid and employees should keep an eye out for communication from their local office leadership teams as to how to prepare for these transitions.
Walmart said global tech employees should follow updates from their direct leadership. This group has said remote work will continue indefinitely.
Morris said Walmart has also extended the COVID-19 leave policy through at least Jan. 31, 2021. Flu shots will also be offered to employees starting Aug. 15 through March 2021 at no charge.
For employees who are also parents transitioning for back to school, Walmart said it is offering care matching services to help them secure childcare other care support.