Treat people better, results will follow

These layoffs have the appearance of targeting older associates and long tenured associates for no other reason than the associates are either old or well paid. That may not be the truth, but it looks that way to some and the people who feel that way are obviously disappointed in leadership.

Sam Walton did amazing things with ordinary people because his people loved him and they were inspired by him. The problem with the company over the last decade is that it has been run poorly by the leaders. The leaders said one thing in company meetings but did another in everyday practice. Those same leaders have been steadily blaming their leadership shortcomings on the associates.

There seems to be this attitude with leadership that they don't have the talented associates needed to go head to head with Amazon, Aldi, or Lidl. This attitude is obvious and so wrong. Walmart associates are capable of feats that I'm sure would surprise everyone from the company leaders to Wall Street. You just have to inspire them. And you can't get that done through layoffs and fear.

Just the opinion of a peon though. Nobody listens to us.

Really well put, @O8lBl2P-1tsd. People are just doing what they have to because they have no incentive to do better. They are underpaid and overworked, and certainly not treated with respect by their supervisors. Threats of layoffs will not change that, but making their lives better, showing that you value them and want to see what they have to offer...that might make a difference. And before somebody yells Walmart shareholders, good workers will bring in more profit for them than constant turnover and layoffs in the long run, if they can just take their eyes of the current quarter for a moment.

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Yep, why lay 2,500 people off when you can lay off 500 and make the same financial impact. Not to mention you've let less people go so the business doesn't hurt that much and you can just bring in new people at a fraction of the cost you were paying the long time employees. Also, if you let them go now that will be less severance you have to pay out down the road if something goes bad. Especially this mess with the Pharmacy layoffs. Why get rid of 10 employees making $10/hr when you can lay one pharmacist off. Much smaller impact to the business so they think. They are keeping the younger more error prone pharmacists around and going to spend more in legal fees when they get sued and in lost business because their wait times sky rocket and their moral/customer service go down the drain. Have fun sleeping in the bed you made walmart!

1xmp,

We are trying to get out. But you know how the Walmart non compete goes. I heard from a friend who works in merchandising support that they were looking at expanding the non compete. We all better hope that rumor isn't accurate or where will we work once the layoffs hit us?

I don't think the simple concept of rational common sense applies to this company anymore. Most management is incapable of making any common sense decisions that they now have to outsource to 3rd party companies to tell them what to do. Have we gone completely insane from a leadership stand point?

Walmart does not understand the business game they are in. Therefore they will lose. Look up infinite players versus finite players. Author and well known independent consultent, Simon Sinek gives a great analysis of this concept.

Walmart/Sam's folks, get out while there is still a chance for you to do something great and rewarding to you.

Agreed. The whole situation is pretty sad.

Thread regarding Wal-Mart Stores Inc. layoffs

Treat people better, results will follow

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