USA 
United Kingdom
An individual claiming to be a staff member at Walmart has suggested that his store’s management team have implemented a “no quit” program.
In a post in the Walmart Associates Subreddit that has spoked viral debate since, the user shared an image of a printed notice, implying it was created by Walmart.
“We value you, your growth, and your contributions,” the notice begins, before stating in bold, underscored letters: “We have a no quit program.”
The memo continues, saying, “We feel that many situations can be resolved. We ask that any associate, prior to deciding to quit, speak with their store manager.”
Blanked out contact details for the store manager are provided at the bottom of the notice.
Accompanying the image, which was posted a month ago in August, the reported Walmart associate wrote: “What are they gonna do, fire me?”
What is a no-quit program?
Retention in industries such as retail is famously high, and a recent report from the US Chamber of Commerce shows this sector, alongside leisure and hospitality, suffers from the highest levels of labor shortages.
As one of the dominant figures in retailing, Walmart is no stranger to this, with one of the highest turnover rates in the US. The retailer has been vocal about its attempts to improve staff retention in 2024.
In June, EVP of Store Operations Cedric Clark revealed the company has seen improvements in manager retention, turnover, and engagement following the introduction of a new compensation plan in January 2024 under which managers can theoretically earn over $500,000 per year.
But the post from user ‘Colleen_oof,’ if legitimate, suggests the retail giant has stores taking matters of retention into their own hands with unusual results, attempting to lower turnover by encouraging staff to participate in a no-quit conversation with management.
No-quit conversations, per the notice, appear to be a last-ditch attempt for workers and management to discuss ongoing issues prompting the employee to resign, and attempt to find a resolution.
‘So inappropriate’: How Walmart associates are reacting to the ‘no quit’ notice
The notice has overwhelmingly drawn criticism from online social media users, including those who say they are Walmart associates.
“Who wants to guess what store has corporate up their ass for turnover?" one Redditor quipped.
Another user, who indicated they were employed by Walmart, said they would give notice if they planned to quit but such a message would prompt them to “ghost” – to end a relationship suddenly and without communication - their management. “That’s so inappropriate,” they wrote.
If the message is legitimate, it’s worth noting the language of “program,” rather than “policy” – meaning it is not something that Walmart management theoretically wishes to enforce, but rather encourage.
Outside of Montana, employment at will allows employees to quit at any time without notice and permits employers to fire employees without notice, provided the reasoning isn’t discriminatory.
Other users pointed this out, emphasizing that the message had no binding power, with one commenter even suggesting it could be an attempt to lower turnover figures. “If they decide it can't be resolved, the manager will put it down as a termination instead of a resignation,” they claimed.
Photos of the notice have appeared in other threads, appearing to confirm they are in use at Walmart stores, though Walmart has not formally commented on the documents or the existence of such a program.
