As one of the largest employers in the world, Walmart has a strict attendance policy in place to ensure that its stores are adequately staffed at all times. The company’s point system is designed to encourage employees to show up for their scheduled shifts and to discourage absenteeism and tardiness. In this article, we will take a closer look at Walmart’s point system for attendance and what it means for employees.
How the Point System Works
Under Walmart’s attendance policy, employees are given a certain number of points for each absence or tardy occurrence. The number of points assigned depends on the type of absence or tardy, as well as the employee’s job classification. For example, a full-time employee who misses a shift without prior approval will receive 3.5 points, while a part-time employee will receive 1.75 points for the same infraction.
Accumulating Points
Employees who accumulate a certain number of points within a rolling six-month period may face disciplinary action, up to and including termination. The number of points that triggers disciplinary action varies depending on the employee’s job classification. For example, full-time employees who accumulate 9 points within a six-month period may be subject to disciplinary action, while part-time employees may face discipline after accumulating 4.5 points.
Reducing Points
One way that employees can reduce their points is by working scheduled shifts without any absences or tardiness. For every full shift worked without incident, employees can have one point removed from their record. However, it is important to note that this only applies to full shifts, not partial shifts or missed breaks.
Excused Absences
There are certain types of absences that are considered excused under Walmart’s attendance policy. These include absences due to illness or injury, jury duty, military service, and bereavement. Employees who provide documentation to support their excused absence will not receive points for the missed shift.
Unexcused Absences
On the other hand, unexcused absences are those that are not covered by Walmart’s attendance policy. These include absences due to personal reasons, such as a family emergency or car trouble. Employees who miss a shift without prior approval will receive points for the absence, regardless of the reason.
Tardiness
In addition to absences, Walmart’s attendance policy also covers tardiness. Employees who arrive late for their scheduled shift will receive a certain number of points, depending on how late they are. For example, an employee who is 1-15 minutes late will receive 0.5 points, while an employee who is more than 2 hours late will receive 1.5 points.
Consequences of Accumulating Points
As mentioned earlier, accumulating too many points within a six-month period can result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination. However, it is important to note that Walmart’s attendance policy also takes into account an employee’s overall attendance record. For example, an employee who has a history of good attendance may be given more leeway than an employee who has a pattern of absenteeism.
Appealing Points
If an employee believes that they have been unfairly assigned points under Walmart’s attendance policy, they have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process involves submitting a written request to the store manager within 14 days of the occurrence. The store manager will then review the request and make a decision based on the available evidence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Walmart’s point system for attendance is designed to encourage employees to show up for their scheduled shifts and to discourage absenteeism and tardiness. By understanding how the system works and what is expected of them, employees can avoid accumulating points and facing disciplinary action. It is also important for employees to know their rights under the policy, including the right to appeal any points that they believe were assigned unfairly.
