Walmart, the nation’s largest private employer, is making significant changes to its workforce as it consolidates its operations and centralizes employees at its main hubs in California and Arkansas. According to an internal memo obtained by FOX Business, Walmart is eliminating hundreds of roles and closing one of its offices in North Carolina.
Donna Morris, Walmart’s Chief People Officer, explained in the memo that the company is streamlining its operations to enhance collaboration and efficiency. Employees based in Hoboken, NJ, and smaller offices are being asked to relocate to Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, or its office in Sunnyvale, California.
While the exact number of affected employees was not disclosed, those asked to relocate will have at least a month to make their decision. This move is part of a broader relocation strategy that Walmart initiated in May 2024, calling back employees from offices in Dallas, Atlanta, and Toronto to the main hubs.
Since February 2022, Walmart has been gradually transitioning employees back to the office, citing the benefits of in-person collaboration, innovation, and a stronger company culture. The company recently opened a new 350-acre campus in Bentonville, with 12 office buildings and amenities, signaling its commitment to office-based work.
In addition to the headquarters in Bentonville, Walmart is expanding its office spaces in Sunnyvale, California, and Bellevue, Washington. The company is also enhancing its office in Hoboken and its fashion office in New York City.
Morris emphasized the importance of being together in fostering Walmart’s values and culture, stating that in-person collaboration has already yielded positive results. Walmart will assist affected employees with relocation support or severance as they navigate this transition.
Overall, Walmart’s decision to centralize its workforce reflects the company’s commitment to driving efficiency, collaboration, and a strong company culture through office-based work. As employees adapt to these changes, Walmart remains focused on accelerating its momentum and achieving its strategic objectives.
