Navigating the Walmart Attendance Policy: Understanding the Points System

The question on every Walmart associate’s mind: How many points lead to termination at Walmart? The answer is 5 points within a rolling 12-month period. Accumulating this many points puts your employment at risk. Let’s dive deep into understanding how the Walmart attendance policy works and how to keep your job secure.

Decoding Walmart’s Attendance Policy: A Deep Dive

The Walmart attendance policy operates on a point system. Points are assigned for various attendance infractions, and accumulating too many can lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Understanding the nuances of this policy is crucial for maintaining good standing with the company. It’s more than just showing up; it’s about being on time, managing your time off requests effectively, and knowing your options when life throws a curveball.

The Point Breakdown: What Actions Trigger Points?

Understanding what actions trigger points is essential for proactively managing your attendance record. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• Absence without Notification: This is the most severe offense, earning you a 1 point penalty. No call, no show, no job security.
• Absence with Notification: Calling in sick or notifying management of your absence will result in 0.5 points. This is still a penalty, but significantly less than a no-call, no-show.
• Late Arrival/Leaving Early (Tardiness): Arriving late or leaving early by more than 9 minutes but less than two hours will result in 0.5 points. Time theft, even in small increments, is taken seriously.
• No Call/No Show for a Key Event Date: A complete no-show during a key event date (like Black Friday) can result in additional disciplinary action on top of the point accumulation. These dates are clearly communicated in advance, so there’s no excuse.

What Counts as an Excused Absence?

It’s important to remember that not all absences are created equal. While the policy is strict, there are situations where absences can be excused, preventing point accumulation. Some possible excused absences include:

• Approved Leave of Absence (LOA): Whether it’s for medical reasons, family leave, or personal leave, a properly approved LOA generally protects you from accumulating points for those days. Proper documentation and adherence to the LOA policy are critical.
• Bereavement Leave: Walmart offers bereavement leave for the death of immediate family members. Following the proper procedure and providing documentation will ensure you aren’t penalized.
• Jury Duty: Serving on a jury is a civic duty, and Walmart is required to grant time off for it. Provide your summons to your manager promptly.

It’s crucial to proactively communicate with your manager and HR department about any potential absence and to follow the proper procedures for requesting leave.

How Points are Cleared

Points don’t stay on your record forever. Points expire on a rolling 12-month basis. This means that any point you accumulate will automatically be removed from your record 12 months after the date it was assigned. Keep track of when you received points, so you know when they will be cleared.

Key Event Dates

Walmart designates certain days as Key Event Dates, typically around major holidays or sales events. Absences on these days often carry greater consequences, and management can be less lenient with requests for time off. Be extra diligent about your attendance on these days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Walmart’s Attendance Policy

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify Walmart’s attendance policy:

1. What happens if I reach 5 points?
   • Upon reaching 5 points, you will typically be subject to termination. However, management has some discretion and may consider mitigating circumstances. Don’t rely on this; strive to stay below the threshold.
2. Can I dispute a point?
   • Yes, you have the right to dispute a point if you believe it was assigned incorrectly. Gather any supporting documentation (doctor’s notes, proof of approved leave, etc.) and speak with your manager or HR representative.
3. Does using my PTO prevent me from getting points?
   • Using PTO does not automatically prevent points. If you are absent, even if you use PTO to cover the time, you will still accrue points unless the absence is otherwise excused.
4. What is the attendance policy for new hires?
   • New hires are subject to the same attendance policy as established associates. There is no grace period. Understanding the policy from day one is crucial.
5. Are there any exceptions to the point system?
   • While rare, exceptions can be made for extraordinary circumstances, such as a documented medical emergency or a natural disaster. However, it is up to management’s discretion.
6. How can I check how many points I have?
   • You can typically check your point balance through the Workday system or by speaking with your manager or HR department. It’s your responsibility to stay informed.
7. What is the difference between PTO and PPTO?
   • PTO (Paid Time Off) is for general use and requires advance notice. PPTO (Protected Paid Time Off) can be used to cover unexpected absences without accruing points, even on key event dates. However, PPTO accrual rates vary by state and length of employment.
8. Can I be terminated for reasons other than points?
   • Yes, termination can occur for other reasons, such as poor performance, policy violations, or misconduct, regardless of your point balance. Attendance is only one factor.
9. Does the attendance policy vary by location?
   • While the core attendance policy is generally consistent across Walmart stores, there may be slight variations depending on local laws or specific store management decisions. Always clarify any doubts with your HR department.
10. If I transfer to a new store, do my points transfer with me?
    • Yes, your point balance typically transfers with you when you move to a new Walmart location, as the system is company-wide.
11. What happens if I get a point on a day I called in sick?
    • Calling in sick typically results in 0.5 points. To avoid this, consider using PPTO (if available) to cover the absence. Ensure you follow the proper call-in procedure, even when using PPTO.
12. How does the point system interact with FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act)?
    • FMLA-protected leave is generally excluded from point accrual. However, you must have your leave properly approved and documented. Failure to do so may result in point accumulation even if you qualify for FMLA.

Staying on Track: Tips for Managing Your Attendance

Maintaining a good attendance record at Walmart requires diligence and proactive planning. Here are some tips:

• Plan Ahead: Schedule appointments and other commitments around your work schedule. Avoid requesting time off on key event dates unless absolutely necessary.
• Communicate: If you know you’ll be late or absent, notify your manager as soon as possible, following the proper call-in procedure.
• Use PPTO Wisely: Save your Protected Paid Time Off for unexpected emergencies and illnesses.
• Document Everything: Keep records of any approved leave, doctor’s notes, or other documentation related to your absences.
• Stay Informed: Regularly check your point balance and review the attendance policy to stay up-to-date on any changes.

By understanding and adhering to the Walmart attendance policy, you can avoid accumulating points and protect your employment. Knowledge is power!