As many companies cut jobs citing artificial intelligence (AI), Walmart is presenting a different message. At its annual Associates Week in Bentonville, Arkansas, leaders told employees that AI will be used to make their jobs easier, not eliminate them.
The company has already introduced AI tools across its business, training staff to use platforms including OpenAI’s models. Executives highlighted how AI is helping solve everyday problems—such as a freight manager’s system that reduces unnecessary truck travel, saving costs and giving drivers more time at home.
Other uses include analysing customer feedback, improving self-checkout systems, and predicting demand shifts in the supply chain.
Walmart has recruited Daniel Danker, formerly of Instacart, to lead AI acceleration and product design. He described how smarter systems could anticipate events such as heatwaves and prepare inventory before customers even start shopping.
The timing of Walmart’s reassurance is significant. According to the Financial Times, AI has been the most common reason for US layoffs in recent months.
Walmart itself recently cut hundreds of jobs in technology and product design, though it did not link those cuts directly to AI.
Despite workforce reductions over the past five years, Walmart insists it will remain a major employer, with revenue now exceeding $700 billion annually. Donna Morris, chief people officer, and John Furner, CEO both stressed that employees remain central to Walmart’s future.
Not everyone is convinced. A shareholder proposal backed by United for Respect called for more transparency on AI’s impact, warning of stress and unrealistic expectations. The proposal failed, but many employees expressed optimism, seeing AI as a tool to support rather than replace them.