Do you ever wonder how many occurrences you can have before being fired? So, no more wondering! Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, places a high value on its employees’ timeliness and attendance. Given the scope of its activities, even a single employee’s absence can have repercussions throughout the system.
This article clarifies Walmart’s occurrence policy, ensuring staff and customers understand its complexities.
In this article:
What is Walmart’s Attendance Policy?
The attendance policy at Walmart is based on a point system. Each absence or tardiness costs employees a set number of points. If an employee soaks up too many points in a short period of time, they may face disciplinary action, including termination.
Walmart Point System
Here is a breakdown of Walmart’s point system:
- Absence: 1 point
- Tardiness: 0.5 points
- Early leave: 0.5 points
Authorized Absences
Some authorized absences do not count towards your occurrence limit. These include:
- Bereavement leaves
- Jury duty
- Military leave
- Medical leave
- Vacation
How Many Occurrences Are Allowed at Walmart?
Walmart employees are allowed up to five occurrences in a six-month period. If you exceed five occurrences, you may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination.
– Definition of an Occurrence
In Walmart’s lexicon, an occurrence occurs when an employee either misses a scheduled shift without prior notice or is late for their shift.
– Reasons for Occurrences
Occurrences can arise from various reasons, be it personal emergencies, health issues, or unforeseen circumstances. However, it’s crucial to differentiate between excused and unexcused absences.
Consequences of Exceeding Occurrences
The consequences of exceeding your occurrence limit will vary depending on your manager and the severity of the situation. However, some possible consequences include:
- Verbal warning
- Written warning
- Suspension
- Termination
Tips for Avoiding Occurrences
Here are a few tips for avoiding occurrences:
- Be on time for work.
- Show up for all of your scheduled shifts.
- Request time off in advance.
- Use your sick days when you’re sick.
- Talk to your manager if you’re having trouble meeting your attendance goals.
Walmart’s Attendance System
Walmart employs a point-based system to track and manage employee attendance.
– Point-based System
Each occurrence translates to a certain number of points. Accumulating too many points can lead to penalties.
– How Points are Accumulated
Points are added for tardiness, early departures, and absences without proper notification.
– How Points are Removed
Over time, with consistent attendance, points can be reduced or removed from an employee’s record.
Here is a breakdown of Walmart’s point system:
- Absence: 1 point
- Tardiness: 0.5 points
- Early leave: 0.5 points
Occurrences:
- 1 occurrence: 4 points
- 2 occurrences: 8 points
- 3 occurrences: 12 points
- 4 occurrences: 16 points
- 5 occurrences: Termination
Points roll off after 6 months:
- If employees do not accumulate any new occurrences within 6 months, their points will roll off, and their occurrence count will reset to zero.
It is important to note that Walmart’s attendance policy may vary slightly from store to store. If you have questions about your occurrence count or Walmart’s attendance policy, talk to your manager.
How Does the Point System Work?
The points an employee accumulates are temporary. They may expire or be removed after 183 days. Additionally, employees can use Protected Paid Time Off (PPTO) to remove or reduce their points by half.
However, even after using PPTO, two points will remain on the employee’s record for 183 days. It is important to act promptly, as employees have only 7 days from the incident date to apply PPTO to it.
The primary objective of the point system is to promote consistent attendance among Walmart employees, emphasizing the importance of punctuality, adherence to scheduled shifts, and prompt reporting of absences.
This benefits not only employees but also customers, who receive top-notch service without disruptions caused by frequent staff replacements.
How to Check Your Occurrences at Walmart?
There are two ways to check your occurrences at Walmart:
Online:
- Go to the Walmart employee website and log in with your employee ID and password.
- Once logged in, click on the “My Time” tab.
- Under “My Time Tools,” click on “My Time Info.”
- On the “My Time Info” page, scroll down to the “My Total Points” section.
- This section will show you how many occurrences you have accrued in the past 6 months.
Call: You can also call the Walmart Disability and Leave Service Center at 1-800-492-5678 to check your occurrences.
When you call, be prepared to provide your employee ID and name. A customer service representative can look up your occurrence information and tell you how many occurrences you have accrued in the past 6 months.
How Do We Report a Walmart Absence or Lateness?
Life is unpredictable, and various factors can lead to an employee’s inability to attend work. When such situations arise, it is important to know how to report your absence or lateness promptly.
Reporting an Absence
Walmart employees can report an absence in one of the following ways:
- OneWalmart website: Visit the OneWalmart website and log in with your employee ID and password. Under the “My Time” tab, click “Report an Absence.” Select the date(s) you will be absent and enter any relevant information, such as the reason for your absence.
- Walmart support team: Call the Walmart support team at 1-800-775-5944 and inform them of your absence. Be prepared to provide your employee ID and name.
- Store manager: Contact your local Walmart store and speak to the on-duty store manager to inform them of your absence.
Reporting Lateness
If you will be late for work, you should contact your supervisor as soon as possible to let them know. If possible, try to call at least an hour in advance. If you cannot call ahead of time, you should explain the reason for your lateness to your supervisor when you arrive.
Consequences of Failing to Report an Absence or Lateness
Employees who fail to report an absence or lateness at least an hour in advance may face disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Rewards for Good Attendance
Walmart rewards employees who have good attendance. In fact, employees who have perfect attendance for a quarter are eligible for a bonus. The bonus amount varies depending on the store’s performance, but it can be up to 25% of the employee’s quarterly Myshare payout.
In addition to the bonus, Walmart also offers other rewards for good attendance, such as:
- Priority for scheduling desired shifts
- Opportunities for advancement
- Recognition from managers and peers
How Long Do Points Last?
Walmart occurrence points last for six months. After six months, any unused points will be rolled off, and your occurrence count will reset to zero.
Table: Walmart’s Point System and Consequences
| Points | Consequences |
| 4 | Verbal warning |
| 8 | Written warning |
| 12 | Suspension |
| 16 | Termination |
Employee Rights and Responsibilities
Employee Rights
Employees have the right to:
- Access their attendance records and request corrections.
- Be informed of Walmart’s attendance policy and how it applies to them.
- Be treated fairly and consistently in terms of attendance enforcement.
- Appeal any disciplinary action taken against them for attendance issues.
Employee Responsibilities
Employees have the responsibility to:
- Be on time for work and scheduled shifts.
- Notify their supervisor in advance if they will be absent.
- Provide documentation for authorized absences, such as medical leave or bereavement leave.
- Understand and comply with Walmart’s attendance policy.
Impact of Occurrences on Employee Performance
Occurrences can have a negative impact on employee performance in a number of ways:
- Frequent occurrences can lead to disciplinary action, including termination.
- Employees with high occurrence counts may be ineligible for promotions or raises.
- Frequent absences can disrupt team dynamics and place an additional burden on other team members.
- Employees with high occurrence counts may have difficulty maintaining positive morale.
How Walmart Compares to Other Retailers
Attendance Policies in Other Major Retailers
Walmart’s attendance policy is generally comparable to other major retailers. However, there are some key differences. For example, Target allows employees to accrue up to 6 occurrences in a 6-month period, while Walmart only allows 5.
Additionally, Target offers employees the option to use paid time off (PTO) to reduce their occurrence counts, while Walmart does not.
Benefits of Walmart’s Attendance System
Walmart’s attendance system has a number of benefits, including:
- Consistency: Walmart’s attendance policy is applied consistently to all employees, regardless of their position or tenure. This helps to ensure fairness and equity.
- Predictability: Employees know how many occurrences they can accrue before facing disciplinary action. This allows them to plan their time and make informed decisions about their attendance.
- Accountability: Walmart’s attendance policy holds employees accountable for their attendance. This helps to promote a culture of responsibility and productivity.
Criticisms of Walmart’s Attendance System
Some people have criticized Walmart’s attendance system for being too rigid. They argue that the system needs to consider unforeseen circumstances, such as medical emergencies or family crises. Additionally, some people believe the system is too punitive, as it can lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination, even for minor attendance infractions.
Real-Life Experiences of Walmart Employees
Hearing from Walmart employees who have faced both challenges and successes in maintaining their attendance can provide valuable insights for current and future employees.
Stories of Employees with Perfect Attendance
Many Walmart employees take pride in their perfect attendance records, viewing it as a badge of honor. They often attribute their success to a strong work ethic, dedication to their team, and a commitment to their job.
For example, one Walmart employee who has maintained perfect attendance for over 10 years shared that she is always prepared for work and gets enough sleep. She also said she communicates with her manager well and always lets her know if she needs to take any time off.
Another employee with perfect attendance said that he is motivated by the rewards that Walmart offers for good attendance, such as bonuses and paid time off. He also said that he enjoys working at Walmart and is committed to his team.
Stories of Employees Who Faced Challenges
Life sometimes throws curveballs, making flawless attendance challenging for employees.
One Walmart employee complained of missing weeks of work due to a medical emergency. She feared about being fired, but her manager was sympathetic and helpful. She resumed work without consequence.
Another worker said he missed work to care for his ill child. He was grateful for Walmart’s sick leave policy, which let him take time off without penalty.
Lessons Learned from Past Occurrences
Employees who have faced challenges maintaining attendance can offer valuable lessons to others. For example,
One employee shared that she learned to always communicate with her manager if she is going to be late or absent. She also said that she learned the importance of having a backup plan in case of unexpected events.
Another employee shared that:
He learned to take care of his own health and well-being to avoid getting sick. He also said that he learned to ask for help from his team members when he needed it.
Final Words
Walmart’s attendance policy is intended to strike a compromise between the necessity for employee accountability and the recognition that unforeseen events sometimes occur. Employees are permitted up to five incidents in a six-month period before being subjected to disciplinary action. If you need assistance meeting your attendance objectives, talk to your manager about developing an improvement plan.
Walmart’s attendance policy balances employee accountability with the knowledge that circumstances can change. Employees can have five violations in six months before being disciplined. Discuss an attendance strategy with your boss if you need help.
FAQ
What happens if I exceed the allowed number of occurrences at Walmart?
If you exceed the allowed number of occurrences, you may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination. The consequences of exceeding your occurrence limit will vary depending on your manager and the severity of the situation. However, some possible consequences include:
- Verbal warning
- Written warning
- Suspension
- Termination
Can I use paid time off (PTO) to reduce my occurrences at Walmart?
Yes, you can use PTO to reduce your occurrences at Walmart. However, it is important to note that not all types of PTO are eligible to be used to reduce occurrences. For example, vacation days can reduce occurrences, but sick days cannot.
How often should I check my occurrences at Walmart?
It is a good idea to check your occurrences at least once a month. You can check your occurrences online or by calling the Walmart Disability and Leave Service Center.
What is considered an “occurrence” at Walmart?
An occurrence refers to any unexcused absence or tardiness.
How does Walmart’s point system work?
Each unexcused absence or tardiness translates to points. Accumulating too many points can lead to disciplinary actions.
Can I remove points from my attendance record?
Yes, over time and with consistent attendance, points can be reduced or removed.
How does Walmart’s attendance policy compare to other retailers?
While some retailers might be more lenient, others might have stricter policies. Walmart aims for a balance between fairness and operational efficiency.
What should I do if I have an unavoidable absence?
Always notify your supervisor or the concerned authority in advance to avoid it being marked as an unexcused absence.
Are there any exceptions to the occurrence policy?
Certain emergencies or situations might be considered on a case-by-case basis. It’s essential to communicate and seek clarification.
