Walmart, the country’s largest private employer, is in many ways going all-in on upskilling its workers for an AI-heavy future. With over 2.1 million employees globally and approximately 200,000 individuals performing specific roles within the organization, Walmart is uniquely positioned to lead in workforce development. The company is focusing on equipping its employees with essential skills as it anticipates changes in the U.S. job market influenced by artificial intelligence and demographic shifts.
The retail giant recently convened a group of more than 300 workplace professionals. These representatives flew in from across the country to testify in support of their Skills-First Workforce Initiative. This initiative aims to identify the skills needed by both Walmart employees and the broader labor force in the coming years. Since Walmart is the largest employer in the U.S. It understands the importance of being flexible, of being on the cutting edge, and training its associates today for the work they’ll be doing tomorrow.
Walmart is committed to increasing employee skills. To do it, they’re working with OpenAI, the developers of the popular AI model ChatGPT. Next year, the partnership plans to roll out a new AI skills pipeline. This new program is designed to get workers the essential learning they require to succeed in a tech-centric world. This initiative would fit in seamlessly with Walmart’s priorities. It further demonstrates the company’s recognition of the growing importance of digital literacy in today’s workforce.
Walmart U.S. likes to match its workforce to the number of checkout lines open. The company places incredibly high stakes on central roles, none more so than store managers. These roles require a unique combination of operational acumen and technological expertise. Companies and their employees have to work double time in order to stay ahead in this dynamic new terrain. Walmart is committed to offering opportunities for workers to learn new skills, including technology-focused roles that will be vital as automation continues to transform retail operations.
That’s fewer than 75,000 employees at Walmart who work remotely. The most of them are labor-intensive operations as well— nearly ALL of them have their teams inside the stores, literally picking the orders for delivery and customer pickup. This practical, sitio work provides a new perspective. It shines a light on hurdles and openings that are ahead for the retail industry as it adopts automation and AI.
Walmart’s refreshingly proactive approach shows an apparent recognition that the nation’s entire workforce must be more adaptable to the rapidly accelerating pace of technological change. Walmart matches those skills with what’s needed for success going forward. This proactive approach allows them to establish a robust talent pipeline equipped to succeed in an AI-enhanced workplace.
