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Walmart has attempted to reassure employees that artificial intelligence will help them, rather than replace their jobs.
The message of encouragement came at a recent company summit in Bentonville, Arkansas, where the retailer is headquartered.
Bosses at the commerce giant used the annual Associates Week forum to assuage concerns over AI-related job threats by insisting that people are Walmart’s key differentiator, and highlighting how the technology is already helping them solve problems and become more productive.
Walmart execs attempt AI rallying cry
The rallying cry was delivered as workers across the US report concerns about how AI may impact their job security and long-term career prospects.
Delivering Consistent HR Services for Deskless Workers
Over 52,000 US tech employees were laid off within the first three months of 2026, according to an analysis done by Challenger, Gray and Christmas – many of these cuts were linked, at least in principle, to heightened investment in AI adoption.
Walmart recently axed or reallocated roughly 1,000 jobs across its technology and product design units, but did not directly link the restructure to AI.
Attempting to reassure staff, Walmart reiterated the company’s promise to invest in AI as a tool to help the retailer’s workforce.
“Technology will power our future. But our associates will lead it,” said Donna Morris, Chief People Officer at Walmart, according to a report from the Financial Times.
Walmart’s new CEO, John Furner, made similar comments: “The chorus, the part we come back to time and time again, is that our people make a difference that matters,” he asserted.
Security, performance, & stress concerns
The FT heard from a company spokesperson who said that Walmart fully plans to remain a major employer, despite its investment in AI tools and exploration of process automation.
However, some parties have shared concerns over the company’s adoption of AI tools.
United for Respect, a labor advocacy group representing staff from Walmart and other major employers such as Meta, has recently lobbied shareholders over the approach.
A recent shareholder proposal backed by United for Respect ultimately failed to gather support during Walmart’s latest annual meeting, but set out concerns over how the rapid deployment of AI could threaten job security, impact HR decisions, and increase stress for staff.
Bianca Agustin, Co-Executive Director of United for Respect, speaking to Fast Company about their interactions with Walmart and Meta staff, said: “Lots of associates at both companies talked about understaffing and feeling like it was worse now that the companies are using AI to schedule.”
A Walmart associate also claimed that automation has meant some employees have “had to skip critical steps,” while also pointing out that new hires no longer receive “hands-on training.”
“Now everything is done in front of a computer, and you’re tossed out on the floor,” she suggested.
Plans for AI-worker harmony
Walmart has made no secret of its push for AI integration, making key appointments to lead the transformation, including Daniel Danker as Executive Vice President of AI Acceleration, Product and Design.
Danker was among the execs to address staff at Associates Week, setting out key ways in which AI could help solve problems. He gave the example of systems that would predict changes in shopping behavior, allowing for supply chain and inventory management to become more proactive than reactive.
The thousands of employees in attendance also heard examples of how AI tools have helped their colleagues become more productive and address long-standing pain points, from analysing customer feedback to helping freight transportation managers plan their loads and journeys more efficiently.
Walmart bosses further confirmed that all US-based workers are now able to earn certification in OpenAI tooling.
Walmart's CPO on AI's impact
Morris, Walmart’s HR chief, has previously set out Walmart’s people-first approach to AI adoption in an interview with HR Grapevine.
“The rapid acceleration of AI is ushering in a transformative moment in the ways we work,” she said. “At Walmart, we are people-led and tech-powered, and our aspiration is clear: to build a future where technology enhances and amplifies the best of our associates.”
The CPO was clear that AI will reshape organizations and jobs, but caveated that Walmart is committed to supporting staff through that change.
“We’re investing in upskilling and reskilling so associates are ready for the jobs of tomorrow,” she noted. “This includes training in digital literacy, data analytics, and AI. We’re focused on building adaptable, resilient teams who can thrive in a fast-changing environment.”
For Walmart employees, if it was not clear already, the message is that they must be prepared for this new, tech-enabled approach to work, whatever their role may be.
“AI is being infused into every function and segment of our business,” Morris said. “From front-line associates using AI-powered tools at Sam’s Club, to technologists developing new platforms, every part of our organization is leaning into an AI-powered future.”
