Walmart hiring another 50,000 employees as demand continues

The nation’s largest private employer is ramping up hiring for the second time in less than a month amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Walmart Inc. on Friday said that it met it goal of hiring 150,000 employees. It now plans to hire an additional 50,000 workers to keep up with continued strong demand in its stores and to give current employees the flexibility to take time off and stay home “if they feel more comfortable doing so.”

The retail giant announced its first round of hiring on March 23, saying it would hire 150,000 new employees through the end of May to work in stores, clubs, distribution centers and fulfillment centers. Walmart said it met its goal weeks ahead of schedule, hiring an average of 5,000 people per day.  

The additional new hires will be across Walmart and Sam’s Club stores, clubs, fulfillment and distribution centers. But it won’t be a one-size-fits-all approach, the company said.

“Hiring 50,000 new associates will give us the opportunity to provide additional staffing in key areas where it’s needed most,” said Donna Morris, executive VP and chief people officer, Walmart. “These hires will primarily be temporary associates and will support our current associates and customers in locations with specific needs."

Walmart has received more than 1 million applicants since it announced its first hiring ramp up in March, according to Morris. The retailer has worked with more than 70 companies that have furloughed workers, with applicants coming  from the restaurant and hospitality industries and other retailers. Under Walmart’s new expedited hiring process, applicants can go from application to job offer in as quickly as 24 hours. Approximately 85%  of the new hires are for  temporary or part-time roles. 

“While many of these associates want temporary employment that serves as a bridge during this time, we also expect others to convert to permanent roles,” Morris said. We’re seeing huge successes from the talent we’re adding to the team, and we are proud and appreciative of everything our associates are doing to provide a vital service to our communities during this time.”