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Walmart tells 2.1 million workers AI will improve their jobs, not replace them

Walmart told its 2.1 million employees that AI will improve their jobs, not eliminate them-while CEO Doug McMillon separately warned AI will "wipe out some jobs." The company recently cut tech and product design staff.

2 min read
Operations

Walmart tells 2.1 million employees AI will improve jobs, not eliminate them

Walmart addressed its workforce at its annual Associates Week in Bentonville, Arkansas, to outline how the retailer plans to deploy AI across product design, logistics, store operations, and customer service. The company announced that any US employee can now become certified in its AI tools.

Chief people officer Donna Morris said: "Technology will power our future. But our associates will lead it."

What Walmart is doing with AI

The retailer is using AI for predictive stocking to react faster to demand shifts, including a goal to deliver certain products within 30 minutes. It is also deploying computer-vision systems at self-checkout to identify loose produce without bar codes, automating the summarization of customer feedback for product development, and optimizing freight routes to reduce empty miles for drivers.

Walmart built an internal low-code platform that lets hourly employees build automation solutions without deep technical skills. This approach mirrors a broader industry trend of broadening access to automation tools across the workforce.

The gap between messaging and reality

Walmart's employee reassurance comes as CEO Doug McMillon warned in September 2025 that AI "is going to change literally every job" and would "wipe out some jobs" while reshaping the workforce. McMillon said headcount would remain flat over the next three years.

The company recently cut staff in technology and product design teams. Walmart has not linked these layoffs to AI, though the timing raises questions about how automation fits into workforce planning.

Shareholders proposed a report on AI's workforce impact at the annual meeting. The proposal was voted down.

What to track

For operations professionals, watch these metrics:

  • Whether Walmart publishes data on certification program uptake and curriculum details
  • Any future announcements tying workforce reductions directly to automation or AI-driven efficiency
  • Operational results tied to AI use cases-empty-mile reductions, demand-forecast accuracy, 30-minute delivery capability
  • Shareholder activity on AI workforce impact after the annual meeting vote

Walmart is the largest private employer in the US. How it manages AI adoption and workforce messaging sets a practical precedent for large-scale retail operations.

Learn more about AI for Operations and explore an AI Learning Path for Operations Managers to understand how automation affects supply chain, logistics, and workflow design.

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