Changemakers: How the Nation’s Largest Employer Doubled Down on Employee Well-being to Get Through Crises

Walmart’s chief people officer focuses on making big moves to elevate equity, opportunity, and advancement for the company’s 1.5 million U.S. employees.

CO: The pandemic changed consumer behavior overnight — people suddenly preferred to buy online and were less interested in buying inside stores. How did that change Walmart’s workplaces, and how is Walmart helping its employees with these changes?

It’s great to hear that change sparked an opportunity to empower workers. You mentioned associates are learning skills needed for higher-paying jobs in stores. How is this actually happening? How are you helping associates learn skills that help them advance?

I’ve read that Walmart is the largest corporate employer of individuals who are Black in the United States. You employ around 300,000 Black associates. How has Walmart changed as the Black Lives Matter movement has grown more prominent?

It’s inspiring to hear corporate leaders acknowledge their critically important role here. Companies have a unique opportunity to step out as leaders and take action that drive real results. What immediate actions did Walmart take?

That’s impressive to see you take the initiative and not wait to create near-term change. But it’s often the longstanding strategies that make real social impact. You mentioned planning for long-term changes as well. How are you approaching this?

While Walmart and other companies are embracing lessons from the Black Lives Matter movement, there is a hostile counter-response in some communities. Walmart customers come from both sides of the debate. How is the company handling its role in the middle and helping Walmart associates do the same?

A crucial aspect of JFF’s Changemakers community is the shared strategies that are so important as we learn about what’s working in our effort to prioritize workers. What advice do you have for others who want to drive positive changes for workers in their companies or industries?

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Jobs for the Future (JFF) drives transformation of the American workforce and education systems to achieve equitable economic advancement for all. www.jff.org

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JFF

Jobs for the Future (JFF) drives transformation of the American workforce and education systems to achieve equitable economic advancement for all. www.jff.org