As one of the largest employers in America, Walmart‘s performance evaluation program impacts over 1.5 million associates each year. From hourly sales associates to salaried managers, Walmart‘s structured system of reviews and ratings serves to gauge productivity, development, and future potential.
If you‘re a Walmart associate preparing for an upcoming evaluation, you likely have plenty of questions about what to expect. Don‘t worry, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about Walmart‘s process, from understanding your ratings to setting winning goals for next year. You‘ll find insider tips to put your best foot forward and make the most of your annual review.
Let‘s get started!
Walmart Evaluations 101
Before we dig into the details, here‘s a quick overview of Walmart‘s evaluation program:
-
Who: All U.S. Walmart associates – both hourly and salaried roles.
-
When: 90 days after hire, then annually on your employment anniversary.
-
What‘s Measured: Attendance, job knowledge, productivity, communication, customer service.
-
Ratings Scale: Role Model, Exceeds Expectations, Meets Expectations, Needs Improvement, Unsatisfactory.
-
Purpose: Measure performance, determine raises/promotions, identify training needs.
Now that you‘ve got the basics down, let‘s explore what you can expect at each stage of Walmart‘s evaluation process.
Key Performance Metrics – What Managers Assess
Walmart evaluates associates based on five main performance categories:
1. Attendance and Punctuality
Managers closely track your on-time arrival for scheduled shifts, as well as any unapproved absences.
- Tardy arrivals over 15 minutes are docked as partial attendance points.
- Unapproved call-outs result in full point deductions.
- 5+ points can result in termination.
Tip: Avoid unnecessary call-outs and plan extra commute time. One associate improved her attendance score by getting ready the night before and budgeting for traffic delays.
2. Job Knowledge
How well do you understand your role‘s core duties and Walmart‘s processes?
Managers assess:
- Knowledge of procedures, safety standards, and policies
- Ability to operate equipment/systems
- Product information/department expertise
- Adherence to company values
Tip: Take initiative to expand your knowledge through Pathways training. Seek feedback on areas needing improvement.
3. Productivity and Execution
How efficiently and effectively do you complete your daily tasks?
Metrics include:
- Work volume/completion rates
- Speed and accuracy
- Ability to prioritize urgent requests
- Following merchandising guidelines
Tip: Observe high-performing co-workers to pick up productivity tips. Track your own metrics to set improvement goals.
4. Teamwork and Communication
How well do you collaborate with colleagues and leadership?
Assessed areas:
- Communication style and clarity
- Problem-solving with peers
- Openness to feedback
- Contributions to team projects
Tip: Make an effort to partner with co-workers and support team goals. Proactively share ideas and solutions.
5. Customer Service Skills
From greetings to issue resolution, managers evaluate how you interact with shoppers.
Key metrics:
- Friendliness, patience, enthusiasm
- Efficiency assisting customers
- Ability to handle complaints
- Product recommendations
Tip: Roleplay scenarios at home to polish your customer service skills. Observe associates who excel in this area.
Now that you know what‘s evaluated, let‘s look at Walmart‘s rating scale…
Walmart Evaluation Ratings – What They Mean
Your manager will assign you one of five performance ratings:
1. Role Model – Exceptional Performance
You‘ve blown expectations out of the water in all areas. Only awarded to top performers.
2. Exceeds Expectations – Above Average
You‘ve consistently exceeded requirements in most categories. Excellent work.
3. Meets Expectations – Fully Satisfactory
You‘ve achieved all key standards in your job performance.
4. Needs Development – Below Average
Performance lacks in one or more areas. Improvement required.
5. Not Meeting Expectations – Unsatisfactory
Significant and immediate improvement needed to meet minimum requirements.
While a Role Model rating merits celebration, even an average Meets Expectations signals that you‘re fulfilling your core job duties – and keeping the pathway open for future advancement opportunities.
Now let‘s go over the powerful self-evaluation piece…
Self-Evaluation – Your Chance to Tell Your Story
A key component of Walmart‘s process is the self-evaluation each associate completes in advance.
This step gives you an invaluable opportunity reflect on your own performance and speak to your strengths. Don‘t underestimate its importance!
When completing your self-review, be sure to:
-
Highlight achievements with concrete examples. Tie them to Walmart‘s values.
-
Be honest about opportunities for growth. Position them as areas you want to develop, not flaws.
-
Discuss training needs that could help take your skills up a notch.
-
Set S.M.A.R.T. goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.
-
Collaborate with your manager to make your goals strategic and impactful.
Let‘s look at some real-life examples of effective self-evaluation responses:
Biggest Achievement: "I increased my weekly sales by 20% over last year by taking a course in Walmart‘s Pathways training program to deepen my sporting goods product knowledge."
Area for Growth: "I‘d like to enhance my ability to give fast, friendly customer service at the checkout lanes during peak hours."
Goal for Next Year: "My goal is to cross-train in the garden center by July 2023, enabling me to assist in both departments during busy seasons."
The more detailed and concrete you can be in demonstrating your accomplishments, eagerness to learn, and commitment to Walmart‘s success, the better.
Okay, next up – tips for preparing for the big day…
Preparing for Your Evaluation
Your thoughtfulness and preparation leading up to your review day will be evident and pay off. Here are some best practices:
-
Reflect often: Revisit notes and achievements you‘ve documented throughout the year.
-
Solicit feedback: Ask trusted colleagues and leaders for insight on your strengths and growth areas.
-
Review last year‘s evaluation: Understand your progress on those goals and development areas.
-
Gather examples: Compile data, customer comments, projects demonstrating your performance. Quantify your achievements.
-
Improve attendance: Avoid unnecessary call-outs for several months prior to your review.
-
Practice responding: Jot down concise talking points addressing your accomplishments, learning needs, and goals.
Putting in this work upfront will make you feel empowered walking into your evaluation discussion rather than anxious.
Next, let‘s demystify what happens on the big day…
Evaluation Day: What to Expect
Your review discussion will likely last 30-45 minutes and involve:
-
Reviewing your self-assessment: Your manager will ask you to elaborate on your responses. Be ready to provide examples.
-
Performance discussion: Your manager will share feedback on your strengths and areas for growth across the five categories.
-
Development planning: Collaborate on training strategies and future goals tailored to your role.
-
Rating reveal: Your manager will reveal your official rating for the period. This will be Under Evaluation or higher.
-
Wage increase: If earned, your manager will share news of your annual hourly raise, typically 2-3%.
-
Next steps: You‘ll leave with clear objectives for continuous improvement over the next year.
With some preparation, you can feel empowered in the discussion and gain valuable insights to propel your Walmart career forward.
But what if your rating doesn‘t meet your expectations? Let‘s discuss next…
What If You Receive a Low Rating?
A Needs Improvement or Unsatisfactory rating can feel discouraging. But don‘t panic – it happens. Here are some proactive steps:
-
Request specifics: Understand exactly where your manager sees room for growth. Ask for examples.
-
Get a development plan: Work with your manager to outline training programs, shadowing opportunities, and new goals tailored to building your skills.
-
Check perceptions: Respectfully share your self-assessment and any conflicting peer feedback. Differences in viewpoint may emerge.
-
Communicate needs: If you feel you need more manager support, coaching, or resources, now is the time to ask.
-
Re-evaluate in 3-6 months: Strive for tangible improvements within the next quarter to get back on track.
With hard work, you can absolutely turn things around by your next annual review. And Walmart wants to provide development opportunities to help you get there.
Real Experiences with Walmart Evaluations
The best way to understand the evaluation process is to hear directly from associates who have been through it. Here are a few first-hand experiences:
"As a newer associate, I found the self-evaluation very helpful for identifying training gaps I wasn‘t even aware of. My department manager pointed me toward great Pathways courses that have already expanded my skills." – Brian J., Walmart Cashier in Louisiana
"I was terrified walking into my first evaluation, but my assistant store manager made me feel totally at ease. She highlighted areas I was excelling in more than I realized, like customer rapport and collaboration with the apparel team. I walked out feeling really motivated and purposeful." – Madison L., Walmart Sales Associate in Oregon
"After an Unsatisfactory rating, I had a heart-to-heart with my manager about obstacles I’d been facing at home impacting my work. She connected me to Walmart’s employee resources, adjusted my schedule temporarily, and got me back on track. I’m grateful for the support." – Tyrone R., Overnight Stocker in Michigan
Hearing from associates who‘ve gone through the experience is so insightful. Their stories reflect Walmart‘s overarching goals – to provide feedback, spotlight strengths, support development areas, and open doors for advancement wherever possible.
Preparing the Right Way Pays Off
While no associate looks forward to evaluation day, it‘s a valuable chance to pause, reflect on your skills, and plan future growth in your Walmart career. It can even serve as a reset when you‘ve veered off-course.
By proactively preparing, participating thoughtfully, viewing ratings constructively, and leveraging the opportunity for development, you can make the most of your annual review. And nothing feels better than walking out with clarity on the next step in your Walmart journey.
You‘ve got this! Wishing you an empowering evaluation experience.
