As one of the leading stores in the US, Walmart has gained a reputation of being among the few stores invested in employees’ work-life balance.
The store provides employees with flexible routines by allowing them to work hours to work comfortably. So, one might ask: how do you change availability at Walmart? I’ve looked into the matter, so read on to find out how!
How Do You Change Availability at Walmart?
As a Walmart associate, you can change your availability by filling out an availability form and having it signed by your direct supervisor. It’s important to note that you have to fill out the form on time since it usually takes three weeks for schedule changes to be effective once the request is approved.
If you want to get more information on how to change availability at Walmart, if the request to change availability can be denied, and much more, keep reading!
Can I Change My Availability at Walmart?
Yes, you can change your availability at Walmart.
That said, you have to seek approval for a change of availability from your manager on time. In most instances, Walmart requires you to seek approval by providing a 30-day notice.
However, emergency cases such as a death in the family don’t require as early a notice.
Can Walmart Deny Your Request To Change Availability?
Yes, your request to change your availability at Walmart can be denied depending on the time of submission and the availability of other employees.
That said, Walmart will only approve availability change requests that do not interfere with normal business operations.
So, if your new availability affects the business needs, you may be denied a change of availability or given fewer hours.
Can Walmart Fire You For Changing Your Availability?
Unfortunately, Walmart can fire you for changing your availability.
Since most employees in the United States are “employed at will,” Walmart can change the terms and conditions of the binding contract, including firing you for any reason.
With that, assuming that you are an at-will employee at Walmart, Walmart can terminate your employment based on a lack of availability.
Can I Be Fired From Walmart For Limited Availability?
Yes, Walmart can fire you for limited availability.
Legally, your employer (Walmart, in this case) can require you to work at certain hours and might fire you due to lack of availability.
So, depending on business operations at your store, limited availability may be allowed if it does not interfere with store operations.
Does Walmart Have To Follow Your True Availability?
Yes, Walmart has to follow the employee’s true availability.
That said, once the employees provide their availability, Walmart creates schedules that ensure enough employee coverage during all shifts.
After that, Walmart associates with no fixed schedule are notified of their shift 17 days in advance.
When Can You Change Your Schedule at Walmart?
Unfortunately, you cannot set and change your schedule, but you can provide an availability range that states the start and end of your available days.
For instance, you can say you are available on Tuesdays from 4 pm to 12 am, or that you need every other Monday off, or that you’re unavailable before 2 pm.
Then, Walmart uses the availability provided to schedule your shifts. If you get too restrictive with your availability, Walmart may give you fewer hours than requested.
What Is the New Walmart Schedule App?
The Walmart Schedule App is a recently unveiled in-house-built app called the Me@Walmart.
With that, Walmart Global Tech designed and built the new app and intends to simplify associates’ daily tasks, plan for a work-life balance, and enhance customer service.
Further, the app contains several features, including the ability to check shifts up to two weeks in advance, request schedule changes, and check on upcoming paid time off.
In addition to this, the Me@Walmart app allows associates to clock in once they arrive for their shifts and even connect using the “push-to-talk” feature.
Also, the app provides an activated personal assistant, Ask Sam Voice, that allows an associate to ask questions about locating merchandise and providing instant feedback to customers.
How Do I Check My Hours at Walmart?
You can check your schedule up to three weeks in advance at your Walmart store.
Alternatively, logging into the One Walmart platform will give you information on your hours, including your schedule, Paid Time Off (PTO), Leave Of Absence (LOA), etc.
Can Walmart Force You To Work Past Your Scheduled Shift?
No, Walmart cannot force you to work past your schedule but may request you to work past your scheduled shift.
If you are a non-exempt employee, you must be paid for working past your scheduled shift.
Also, if you don’t want to stay longer, you can always provide reasons why you cannot stay.
Can Walmart Schedule You Out Your Availability?
Yes, Walmart is permitted to ask you to work out of your availability. That said, in case you notice scheduling outside of your availability, you can request changes with your zone manager.
However, Walmart is not allowed to force you to work outside your set availability.
To know more, you can also read our posts on whether or not Walmart does background checks, Walmart sales associates, and Walmart customer value associates.
