Walmart is focusing on making the holidays a success for customers and associates while keeping a close eye on emerging COVID-19 variants.
“Associates are the heart of our company, and their efforts to serve our customers and members throughout the pandemic have been truly amazing, said Donna Morris, chief people officer at Walmart, in a blog post. “The health and safety of our people remain our biggest priorities, and we continue to focus on enabling access to vaccines, providing safeguards within facilities, and supporting associate well-being.”
The company is doing this in three ways, she says:
Access to vaccines: Walmart encourages all U.S. associates to get vaccinated; currently more than 90 percent of campus office associates have been fully vaccinated. While vaccines are not required at this time for frontline associates who work in the stores, clubs, and supply chain facilities, the company recently reintroduced a vaccine incentive for frontline associates to provide $150 after an associate becomes fully vaccinated.
Safeguarding people within facilities: The company takes precautions to reduce the spread of infection and keep associates safe by requiring masks in areas where transmission rates are high or substantial. In addition, all associates are required to complete a daily health screening before entering a building. In addition, plastic shields remain in place at registers and pharmacies, and an enhanced sanitizer station is located at the entrance of all stores and clubs.
Well-being resources: While vaccinations and safety measures help slow the spread of infection, associates can still get sick. Through March 31, 2022, Walmart will offer a COVID-leave policy, which provides up to two weeks of paid time off if an associate contracts COVID-19, if a facility is part of a mandated quarantine, or if an associate is required to quarantine by a health care provider, government agency, or Walmart. This is in addition to its standard PTO options.
The company also is waiving the co-pay for medical and therapy services through Doctor On Demand’s virtual doctor visits for associates on a Walmart medical plan. And it’s providing 10 no-cost counseling sessions through Resources for Living for all U.S. associates and their household members, including dependents up to age 26.
Walmart will continue to follow emerging variants closely and make adjustments as needed to prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of its staff.
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