Wal-Mart Company Reviews and Ratings

"Overall Bliss: Below Average"

Wal-Mart Review by Associate on February 29, 2012

What do you like about working at Wal-Mart?

Many of the associates are great people. I like to be able to help customers.

What don't you like about working at Wal-Mart?

It is boring work. It is not mentally stimulating. It can be a challenge as far as stressful situations go. They always want more work done, with fewer people. Turnover is awful at my store, because of lack of respect for associates. Many assistant managers have the attitude "This is retail. If you don't like it, don't work retail." It is like pulling teeth to get time off. Requests are often rejected due to "lack of coverage." There are very hypocritical practices. I had to step down from my department manager position because of availability issues, yet not even a month later a different department manager was leaving early two days a week for the same reason I had to leave early one day a week. An associate was allowed to come back from medical leave on restrictions after cancer treatments. Six months later another associate was not allowed to come back until her restrictions were cleared after cancer treatments. People are told not to bother coming to work (you are fired basically) when they call in due to medical issues that put them in emergency care. There is no compassion for students, families, or people with health issues. When I first started with the company six years ago, it was the place to work for college students. Now, because schedules are computer generated and there are designated shifts, they will not work around your availability. If you do not fall into a complete shift in your area, you will not get scheduled. For example, a shift may be 1pm to 10pm. Due to school classes, you cannot work until 3pm. They will not adjust the shift because you cannot start at one. You will just lose the hours. They consistently work associates six days in a row and give split days off while assistant managers work three days on three days off. Overtime is watched like a hawk. You get in trouble only having a minute of overtime. They harass some associates with the coaching policy, while turning their eyes when other associates have more serious or repeat policy violations. Our AOS meetings were cancelled before Christmas, and were never rescheduled. These are meetings where associates discuss issues in the store and how to improve them with the store manager. Heath insurance nearly doubles in cost every year, and the deductibles get higher and higher. What person on walmart wages can afford to pay in two thousand dollars on health care BEFORE an 80/20 copay begins? Just a few years ago I had a 350 deduct, 5000 opm, 750 the insurance would cover before I was responsible for payments, and an 80/20 copay for 50 a paycheck.

What suggestions do you have for management?

Be fair, be consistent, TRAIN associates of all levels. Department managers especially. There is no actual training for department managers. If the company has one, it is not being used. Competitors in our area spend four to six weeks training their department managers BEFORE they step foot in the department. At walmart, it's sink or swim. If a department manager is lucky, he or she will be bright enough to catch on or has friends in other departments willing to take time to help out. Stop being vindictive and using the coaching policy to coach people you do not like out of a job. TRAIN assistant managers on people skills-communication skills-workplace psychology. It will create a better work place. Stop constantly thinking what the "investors" want. Include what is best for associates and customers too. Also, you ask your associates to go above and beyond. Reward them with benefits that go above and beyond. Stop only offering "competitive" benefits that mirror what other retailers offer. If associates feel valued and have great benefits, they will work that much harder.

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

Only work here if you do not have other options! Go to school and get a useful degree so you don't have to rely on low wage retail jobs! Don't waste your time or the company's time by applying if you cannot pass a drug or back round check.

"Overall Bliss: Below Average"

Wal-Mart Review by Deli Associate on February 16, 2011

What do you like about working at Wal-Mart?

The actual work at Walmart is easy. It can be physically demanding at times, but it is the easiest job I've ever had.

What don't you like about working at Wal-Mart?

I gave Walmart an open availability to schedule me with when I was originally hired, and I was told that I would have a good mixture of morning, mid, and evening shifts. However, they always closed me. This normally would not be a big deal, but the associates who closed with me were rude, violated company policy, and rarely showed up for work. Management, aware of the problems on the evening shift, did absolutely nothing to improve the situation. This was only the first thing I did not like about working there. During my first week, I worked closely with the Deli supervisor who was training me. She has the worst attitude I have ever seen on a supervisor... just completely rude, whiney, and an overall failure. She talked down to me in a humiliating way, and did her best to point out each and every mistake I made.. When I did make a mistake, I was taken away from the task I was training for and sent to the back to do dishes. She has no patience with new associates. Her rudeness never stopped with me.. In fact, the only time she was half-human was when she wanted me to work overtime or come in on my day off. Which, I quickly stopped doing as I grew to hate working there more and more. She would often let an evening shift go uncovered than to work it herself. If one of her peons couldn't pick up the slack, she certainly would not step up to the plate and effectively run her department. So, that was the second thing... poor management. The associates at this store were just generally dishonest. In fact, one of the Asset Protection associates was involved in theft.. and this was allowed by management. He did not lose his job, nor did management listen to other associates when told about the situation. So, the overall message was "It's ok to steal from Walmart as long as you have management on your side." That was the impression I got. Benefits with Walmart are great, if you're a full-time associate. Part-time associates are not given the same caliber of health insurance.. there is no tuition reimbursement... and a part-timer will NEVER have sick time... only personal time. Full-timers get both. So, the idea would be to get on with this company in a full-time position.. however, many of these stores will not hire you as full-time.. they can't.. I was told "because corporate said so." There was nothing good about going to work at Walmart.. 90% of the employees are miserable. Moral is horrible. And, yes, for your first week or even month, you may like your job.. but that will fade quickly, I promise.

What suggestions do you have for management?

Treat your employees with respect... Take care of your people... Look up the definition of INTEGRITY

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

Just don't do it... While I was waiting for my interview with Walmart, several associates stopped to talk to me and told me about how horrible it was. I should have listened to them and turned down the job offer.

"The Insider"

Wal-Mart Review by Assistant Manager in Dallas, TX on October 04, 2009

What do you like about working at Wal-Mart?

If you are willing to do a complete story,I can tell you a lot. From being required to harass employees so they will quit. I watched an employee sob when a Co-Mgr berated her for not meeting company standard and costing the Company Money. I have a dated copy of her plan of action required when you a given a D-Day. I can also tell you about a District Merchandiser Mgr. and a VP who discussed the future of another manager Quote "Make it Stick" in other words find enough things to write him up about so they can fire him.

What don't you like about working at Wal-Mart?

I had to go in on my day off because my Co-Mgr said I did not complete a Xmas set. So required to give half a day (I was salaried)I went in to document what I had done and verify that was all the merchandise that I had. I got a phone call telling to come in or else. I also had an employees take my drivers license credit card from my purse and proceed charge items from our store while in route to another Wal-Mart. They attempted to charge at another Wal-Mart at 2:48am but the card had been cancelled. I was told by Wal-Mart security----They didn't steal from Wal-Mart so they were not going to do any thing even though a police report had been filed.

What suggestions do you have for management?

Managers should be taught training skills as well as leadership skills. If department managers were taught how to control inventory maybe we would have better control-over product. But is has been self evident that the big issue with all retails was to buy, buy, buy and sell, sell, sell. Basic economics tells of the supply and demand curve.

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

It's scary out there. No one has any commitment to fair play, honesty or character. "You are what you repeatedly do, therefore Excellence is not an act but a Habit" Aristotle. Excellence is not cramming this country with junky items and filling the oceans with short-termed item under the rouse Live Better-Save Money. Commandeering and controlling the market is Capitalism.

"Overall Bliss: Below Average"

Wal-Mart Review by Maintenance Technician on April 30, 2012

What do you like about working at Wal-Mart?

i like do my job when they ever let me. They have me doing other things that is not my job. I do enjoy most of my team mates. They like working together.

What don't you like about working at Wal-Mart?

I am often put in areas that is not part of my job. I have experience to move in a higher position and have been told that they want me there and never seem to put me there. My boss really don't know where she wants me to work when I come in and I know what I am suppose to do but some of the time I am not doing it. Team mates, some, are team players other are lazy, complainer and do there job slow that I am the one that gets pick because they know the work will be done and quick. I don't get recognize for the job I do. I will always be put in places where they need the job done quick and right which mans I am always working and picking up someones slack that is not my job. They pay is lousy. i get 22-25,000, if that, and the raises are small. Hours also gets cut a lot.

What suggestions do you have for management?

Have the worker do what they were assigned to d for their position. I would like my supervisors and team mates work together and on the same pages to get thig done in a fun and quick manner. I would also recognize the worker that stands out and look for them a position in which they can grow and be at a higher level. I would want my employees to come to work in a fun environment and not feel like its just a job.

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

Don't expect a good hourly pay or raise. If they tell you they are going to move you up, take this with a grain of salt. If you are a good worker expect to be doing yours and everyone else job.

"Overall Bliss: Below Average"

Wal-Mart Review by Bakery Associate on March 30, 2012

What do you like about working at Wal-Mart?

I loved working with the customers and I loved that so many co-workers were so accepting.

What don't you like about working at Wal-Mart?

Everything. Managers were downright cruel if they didn't like you. There weren't enough tools to go around and everyone always fought over them. The departments were put up against each other and yet the managers expected us all to work together. They dumped massive amounts of work on certain people while others got to leave without ever breaking a sweat.

What suggestions do you have for management?

I would make sure the employee's voices were ACTUALLY heard and not make them spend months just trying to get someone to listen. Every department should always have a manager on duty so that the closing workers aren't being given directions and discipline by people who don't ever see them or the work they do. Also telling each department how much money they made each week doesn't help the company to work together. It makes everyone so competitive that they aren't willing to help each other out when they need it. And the pay grade system is wrong too. Everyone knows the basic pay grade for each department. And if someone is made to work for a couple days in a department that has a higher pay grade than their own it upsets them and makes them hate work because everyone in the department they're in is getting paid more than they are and they know it.

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

Pay more attention to the potential associate's demeanor. There are WAY too many lazy bums around Walmart. Maybe give them a day on the job before actually hiring them for good, don't wait 6 months before firing the bums.

"Wal-Mart is bad for your health, wealth, and spirituality."

Wal-Mart Review by Business Analyst in Bella Vista, AR on October 13, 2009

What do you like about working at Wal-Mart?

Some of the people I worked with were awesome.

What don't you like about working at Wal-Mart?

Too much expected for too little in return. It is run as a dictatorship. Think Borg. There are very few, intelligent people who would allow everything about their lives to be dictated by their company. Their hypocrisy reaches a whole new level. Love, kindness, generosity comes out of one side of their mouth, and physiological terrorism out the other.

What suggestions do you have for management?

You have to fix the problem at the root. As long as you use physiological terrorism to to force things your way, you will continue to have sick, unhealthy people working for you. Stop the 45 hour work week, you aren't getting anymore work out of people by doing this anyway. Stop expecting more than people can give. You have some awesome folks who work there, but you also have some real serious problems. Allow people to make decisions about their work and their career. You should not try to be their daddy or their God, you are just their employer.

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

Don't work there unless you have never worked anywhere else and don;t know how people should be treated. Don't work there unless you can put in more than 45 hours a week. Don't work there unless you are willing to have absolutely no say about anything they do to you. Don't work there if you can get a job anywhere else doing anything else.

"Overall Bliss: Above Average"

Wal-Mart Review by Co Manager on May 28, 2010

What do you like about working at Wal-Mart?

Lots of autonomy at store as store manager to make decisions on how to operate the store. This company puts a lot of confidence in it's department managers in daily store operations, and in turn sees most of it's store manager's come up from the hourly ranks. I was given the opportunity to run my store (district) as if it were my own business within the boundaries and parameters set forth by the company.

What don't you like about working at Wal-Mart?

towards the end I saw too many career promotion decisions being made to fill quotas and less emphasis put on who was the best qualified person for the job.

What suggestions do you have for management?

If you can get on board with this company, you should. Once there make sure to learn everything you can from the experienced associates (both hourly and salaried) the associates are what makes Wal-Mart such a great place to work and shop. Take care of your associates and they will take care of you, never lose sight of this and you will be successful

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

If you can get on board with this company, you should. Once there make sure to learn everything you can from the experienced associates (both hourly and salaried) the associates are what makes Wal-Mart such a great place to work and shop. Take care of your associates and they will take care of you, never lose sight of this priority and you will stay successful with this company.

"Walmart works there managers to death."

Wal-Mart Review by Assistant Manager in Sandusky, OH on August 18, 2009

What do you like about working at Wal-Mart?

Being able to help associates and customers.

What don't you like about working at Wal-Mart?

Poor management, inexperienced Store Manager and Co-Manager, unfair coaching for improvement, favoritism being given to other managers, and the general practice of not being a servant leader. All the store manager does is sit in her office and do nothing. If the store is very busy and all register trained associates are called to the front, she will hide in her office. The Store Manager DOES NOT lead by example and is unwilling to do those things that she asks of her own associates. There is no respect for others in store #1628 in Sandusky OH. That is why there are no long term assistant managers in the Sandusky store.

What suggestions do you have for management?

LEAD BY EXAMPLE!!!!! DO NOT ASK YOUR ASSOCIATES TO DO ANYTHING THAT THEY HAVE NOT SEEN YOU DO YOURSELF (that includes helping on registers). Hiding in your office doesn't constitute leadership.

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

IF you are pursuing a career in managememt with Wal-Mart, please understand what you are getting into. Be prepared to work anywhere from 12 to 20 hr shifts if necessary. Remember that if you are salary you do not get paid for all those extra hours....hours that are spent away from your family and loved ones.

""1 Walmart Plaza" is a misnomer. I worked for the standard "Walmart""

Wal-Mart Review by Customer Associate in Ravenna, OH on June 16, 2009

What do you like about working at Wal-Mart?

Numerous Small things, interesting co-workers, learning about different products, improving my math skills by running a register, etc.

What don't you like about working at Wal-Mart?

We never had enough time nor personnel to do our work, the company resented us taking up those resources we did have, then we got in trouble when we didn't get things done! this applied to all levels of field opperations personnel.

What suggestions do you have for management?

Don't bother! the higher up the management chain one goes, the more AWFUL Walmart treats you, The more onerous and outrageous your work load will be and the greater trouble you will get in. you will make more money on the whole if you stay a standard, full time, hourly associate than anything else.

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

as a company, Walmart is dying: They are no longer following the principles that made them great established by their founder, but their Automatic Screening systems were developed before their downturn; answer questions with Ideas of mutual loyalty and respect , concern for the customer first, and corporate culture harmony . BUT be prepared to come to work, do your best each day, then go home rewarded only with a paycheck and nothing else.

"Overall Bliss: Below Average"

Wal-Mart Review by Department Manager on May 01, 2012

What do you like about working at Wal-Mart?

Not everyday is the same Constantly learning new things Adapting to those changes Customer Relations Fast Pace Once given my notes for the day I am left alone to complete them

What don't you like about working at Wal-Mart?

Although we have our own freedoms within in the department, they are limited. Tour notes are given daily- mircromanged too much and the expections are too high for one department manager. There is not enough help within the stores to get done what needsto be done. No one is held accountable for their own mistakes and errors keep piling on. The morale is super low and there just isnt any work ethic. Employees are threatened to stay over and work and then told to loose that time before the work week is over.

What suggestions do you have for management?

I would listen to those employees around me and try and fix any issues those might have. I would give the tools and resources needed to perform the job to its fullest

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

It's a tough compnay to work for. Its fast pace and hard. You must be able to change with the times and learn to take direction.