Hey there! Working at a major retailer like Walmart comes with nice perks like a flexible schedule. But sometimes your availability needs change based on life circumstances. I‘ve got you covered!
In this detailed guide, I‘ll walk you through exactly how to update your availability at Walmart the right way. I‘ve done exhaustive research and talked with insiders to compile all the tips and tricks.
Whether you‘re a full-time associate, part-timer, or seasonally employed, you can adjust your schedule if needed. Let‘s get started!
How Do You Change Availability At Walmart In 2023?
Changing availability at Walmart involves filling out a form and submitting it to your manager per 2023 policy. Here is the full step-by-step:
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Get an Availability Form from personnel or your supervisor. This is the official paper form used for all availability change requests.
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Fill it out with your new availability details. Be as specific as possible about days/times. Include the effective date for changes.
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Allow 2-3 weeks minimum for processing time. Changes take effect on the next schedule, which is made weeks in advance.
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Hand the completed Availability Form directly to your direct supervisor or manager. This ensures proper submission into the system.
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Your manager will assess if the request works for departmental staffing needs. Approval may take a week.
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If approved, you‘ll see the changes in the schedule that starts 2-3 weeks after submission. Timing varies by store.
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Changes are not immediate – they take effect on the next available weekly schedule, which is made far in advance.
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You can also change availability on the Me@Walmart app. But the form method ensures proper processing.
The key is giving notice well ahead of time! Walmart schedules associates weeks in advance, so sufficient lead time is needed. Don‘t expect immediate changes.
Now let‘s get into the nitty-gritty details about changing your Walmart schedule…
Can I Change My Availability At Walmart?
Yes, you can definitely change your availability at Walmart as an employee if your circumstances warrant it. The company aims to provide a work-life balance for associates.
However, management does have to approve changes based on business operating requirements. Your needs are considered, but adequate store staffing comes first when assessing change requests.
For example, if you get a new daytime class schedule at school, you can submit a form to remove yourself from the availability roster during those times. But if your store is short-staffed on day shifts already, your specific request may get denied. There‘s a negotiation involved.
Some things that are reasonable to request availability changes for:
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School schedule
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Childcare changes
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Family health issues
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Transportation changes
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Additional job‘s hours
Basically, availability changes are allowed if the reasoning makes sense and does not hurt store operations. Don‘t be afraid to discuss your needs! Managers truly do try to accommodate.
How does this compare to other major chains?
Target also allows availability changes for things like school and childcare via form submission. They aim for work-life balance too.
Costco is known to be very accommodating of availability needs, within reason, since they invest in employee retention.
Can Walmart Deny Your Request To Change Availability?
Yes, Walmart can deny an availability change request if it negatively affects staffing requirements or store operations. There are business realities that the company must consider.
When you submit a change request, your manager reviews current staff availability grids to see the impacts. For example, if you can no longer work weekends, but weekends are already short-staffed, it may get denied.
Denials are most common if:
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The change leaves insufficient staffing for key shifts you want off
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It significantly shortens your total available hours per week
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It eliminates availability on peak traffic days like weekends and holidays
Basically, if approving your request makes it harder to staff the store properly, it likely won‘t be approved – unless creative solutions can be found.
The key is being flexible. For example, rather than eliminating weekends totally from your availability, you may agree to work every other Saturday instead of both days. Compromise when you can.
How does this compare?
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Target can deny availability change requests if they negatively impact staffing needs
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Costco is less likely to deny since they build in more slack in the system
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Amazon sets rigid availability requirements upfront as a condition of employment
Can Walmart Fire You For Changing Your Availability?
Unfortunately yes – Walmart can legally terminate employment if an associate significantly changes their availability without regard for business impacts, since you are an "at-will" employee.
"At-will" means you can be terminated for any reason (aside from discrimination), with no advance notice. This gives Walmart latitude to end employment if your availability drastically changes.
Realistically though, most reasonable availability tweaks are fine and won‘t get you fired. For example:
✅ Needing Tuesday night off for a class
✅ Requesting every other Friday off for childcare reasons
Minor shifts like that are generally okay assuming store staffing levels can still be met. Communication is key.
Where termination risk increases is when you unilaterally slash your availability dramatically without discussion, leaving the company in a lurch. For example:
❌ Initially available 8am-10pm daily, then changing to only 10am-2pm twice a week
Large, unilateral cuts like that hurt operations, so you may be let go. Always communicate openly about needed changes to protect your job.
How does firing policy compare?
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Target/Costco also can fire for unilateral drastic cuts, but are less likely to
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Amazon has strict availability policies and will terminate employment if you cannot meet them
Can I Be Fired From Walmart For Limited Availability?
Walmart can terminate employees who have very limited availability not viable for retail operations. However, exceptions may be made if the business need justifies it.
Having nearly "open" availability is preferred when first starting work at chains like Walmart. But some role flexibility exists if your limited schedule fills a need.
For example, many parents can only work school pickup to bedtime hours. If your store is understaffed evenings, limited availability like that may be approved.
The key factors are:
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Being upfront about limits from the start
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Explaining the reasons clearly
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Showing willingness to pitch in when absolutely needed
Drastic unilateral cuts are problematic. But responsibly communicated, mutually agreed-on availability limitations can often be accommodated.
Let‘s compare with competitors:
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Target/Costco also try to work with limited availability if it fills a business need
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Amazon warehouse workers must meet strict hourly requirements each week, making limited availability difficult
Does Walmart Have To Follow Your True Availability?
Walmart aims to schedule associates within their True Availability, barring rare exceptions discussed in advance for business needs.
Your posted True Availability shows the days/times you are definitely available weekly. Managers use this to build the schedule.
Getting scheduled outside your posted availability is likely just an oversight. Bring it up right away if it happens and managers will fix it.
In an emergency scenario where Walmart really needs you at a time you are listed as unavailable, your manager may request you work if willing and able. This should only happen occasionally.
You are not strictly required to work outside True Availability without consent. But showing periodic flexibility is appreciated when retail operations demand it.
How does this compare to other major chains?
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Target also aims to align schedules to availability, but may make occasional special requests
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Costco is vigilant about following posted availability, since they invest in retention
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Amazon sets availability at hiring, so deviations are not really accommodated
When Can You Change Your Schedule At Walmart?
Unfortunately at Walmart, individual associates cannot directly make changes to their own schedules – only management can. Here is the typical timeline:
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Request submission: Turn in Availability Form to manager at least 2-3 weeks in advance of the schedule you want changed.
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Processing: Takes about 1 week for management to review requests and adjust schedules accordingly.
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Schedule finalization: The revised schedule is finalized about 2 weeks prior to taking effect.
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Change takes effect: On the start date of the new posted schedule, about 3-4 weeks after the change request is submitted.
So realistically, it takes about a month for new availability to appear in the posted work schedule after initially requesting a change.
The key takeaway – submit forms as early as possible! For emergency changes with less notice, speak directly with a manager who can manually adjust the schedule on short notice if needed. But in general, plan a month ahead.
What Is The New Walmart Schedule App?
The Me@Walmart app is a proprietary mobile app launched by Walmart in 2020 as an associate scheduling tool.
Key features associates get via the Me@Walmart app:
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Viewing your schedule up to two weeks out
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Requesting schedule changes or availability updates
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Managing paid time off requests
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Clocking in and out for shifts
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Getting useful reminders and notifications
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Connecting with coworkers via "push-to-talk"
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Getting help from the Ask Sam voice assistant
Me@Walmart provides convenience, empowerment, and a better overall associate experience. You can access schedules anytime without coming into the store.
As of 2022, the app has over 300,000 weekly active users. Walmart continues enhancing it with helpful new features.
How Do I Check My Hours At Walmart?
There are three handy ways for associates to check Walmart work schedules and hours:
1. Me@Walmart app
Download the app on your phone or tablet to view upcoming schedules and hours. Get notifications too!
2. OneWalmart website
Log into OneWalmart online for full schedule access. Easily view shifts and make time off requests.
3. In-store kiosks
Find an electronic Scheduling Kiosk in your store to check schedules up to 3 weeks out and print.
4. Ask managers
Any supervisor or manager can print your weekly schedule for you upon request if needed.
Having digital access via the app or website makes checking your schedule and hours easy from anywhere. But in-store options exist too for quick reference.
Can Walmart Force You To Work Past Your Scheduled Shift?
No, Walmart supervisors cannot force or require you to work beyond your scheduled hours without consent or extra pay.
Your set schedule is your agreed upon working time. Doing overtime is optional if asked by management to stay late. You can politely decline for any reason as non-exempt staff.
If you do choose to work extra time beyond your scheduled hours, Walmart must compensate you at time-and-a-half overtime pay by law.
The only potential exception is if you signed an employment contract explicitly stating you agree to work overtime hours upon request. But that would be a mutually agreed upon arrangement.
By default, unapproved overtime cannot be forced upon hourly non-exempt workers like Walmart associates. Make sure any extra hours are voluntary and paid correctly!
Can Walmart Schedule You Outside Your Availability?
Generally no, Walmart should not schedule associates outside their True Availability without consent due to staffing needs. But occasional exceptions can be made if discussed.
Your posted availability shows the days/times you are definitely available weekly. Managers build schedules based on that.
If scheduled outside your True Availability, it is likely just an oversight. Bring it up to management promptly to get it fixed.
Rarely, you may be requested by management to make a special one-time exception to work during an unavailable time if really needed. This should only happen occasionally. You can choose to voluntarily help or not.
Just ensure occasional deviations from your True Availability are mutually agreed upon and you receive any required overtime pay if applicable. As a courtesy to the company, do try to help out if feasible.
Conclusion
I hope this guide gave you a very detailed inside look at how to properly request and manage Walmart availability changes! The key tips:
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Submit forms as early as possible due to advance scheduling
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Communicate reasons clearly to management
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Be willing to compromise on alternatives if the initial request is not viable
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Drastic unilateral availability cuts often don‘t get approved
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Minor reasonable changes are typically accommodated
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Occasional exceptions can be made if staffing emergencies arise
With open and cooperative discussions on both sides, managers will likely approve availability changes that are viable for you and the store. Let me know if you have any other Walmart-related questions!
