How to Quit Your Job at Walmart in 2023 (2 Weeks‘ Notice, Over Phone, Benefits & More Explained)
Quitting any job requires care and planning. When it comes to a large retailer like Walmart with established policies, you need to resign the right way to protect your reputation and relationships.
So how can you quit your Walmart job in 2023 smoothly? The ideal approach is to provide 2 weeks‘ written notice to your manager, follow company resignation processes, and work all shifts until your departure date. I‘ll explain more details below on doing it right.
As an experienced ecommerce manager and Amazon seller, I‘ve helped dozens of team members resign professionally. Here is my expert guide on quitting Walmart properly in the new year and beyond.
Speak with Your Walmart Manager First
The first step is always speaking directly with your supervisor or store manager in person about your decision to leave Walmart.
As a courtesy, have this discussion at least 2 weeks before your ideal last day. That gives leadership adequate time to process your resignation and begin planning next steps.
Be prepared to explain:
- The reason you are resigning (new opportunity, relocation, education, etc.)
- Your preferred last working day
- Your appreciation for their mentorship
This shows your manager respect and starts an open dialogue. With over 1.6 million US employees, Walmart experiences high turnover – around 37% annually for hourly store associates according to marketplace data. Your manager has likely had colleagues resign before.
Provide Official Written Notice of Resignation
While verbal notice is recommended, following up in writing makes your resignation official.
Submit a formal letter (or email) stating your intent to resign to your supervisor and the HR department. Include:
- Your intent to resign from your position
- Your final intended work date
- Gratitude for the opportunities
Walmart actually provides resignation letter templates to simplify this process.
This written notice allows Walmart to formally acknowledge your planned exit date across all departments – personnel, payroll, benefits, etc. Having documentation protects you and the company.
Give 2+ Weeks Notice If Possible
While not required, providing around 2 weeks notice is considered standard practice when resigning from Walmart or any company.
Giving proper notice demonstrates professionalism and allows the company to begin searching for and training your replacement. It also enables management to adjust schedules with minimal disruption.
According to Walmart‘s internal resignation policies, store managers ultimately have discretion whether to:
- Keep an employee for the full notice period
- Release the employee sooner than requested
Unless there are extenuating circumstances, however, aim to provide at least 1-2 weeks notice as a courtesy. This maintains positive relationships all around for future references if needed.
Here are a few more benefits of giving proper notice at Walmart:
- Allows you to use remaining PTO balance
- Gives you time to transition projects or train others
- Leaves team in a better position to cover shifts
- Minimizes burden on colleagues
- Allows an exit interview opportunity
Not providing notice can reflect poorly on your reliability and make you ineligible for rehire depending on circumstances. Use discretion.
Fulfill Your Remaining Shifts Professionally
After resigning, continue fulfilling your scheduled shifts and duties until your final day with the same strong work ethic.
You want to maintain positive relationships with colleagues and leadership through your exit. Also be prepared to work overtime if requested during this transitional period.
Conduct any knowledge transfers, document processes, or train others on your role to make the handoff smooth. Offer two weeks notice but work at full capacity until the end.
Can I Quit Walmart Over the Phone?
While you can resign over the phone, it‘s not the most professional approach. Here are a few issues with quitting Walmart by phone:
- Lacks documentation for HR and payroll
- Doesn‘t allow an exit interview opportunity
- Can block open conversation with your manager
- Risks miscommunication on details like final work date
The best practice is to inform your direct supervisor first face-to-face, then follow up with a formal written resignation letter. This prevents confusion and provides clarity on your last day.
If you must resign remotely, have a direct call with your supervisor and send a follow up email to them and HR with your exact end date. But an in-person discussion is preferred.
How Will Resigning Impact My Benefits?
Part of the resignation process involves closing out your employee benefits properly. Here are some key points on how quitting affects benefits:
- Healthcare: Coverage terminates the last day of the month after your final day. You can elect COBRA.
- 401(k): Contributions cease but account remains open. You can roll it over.
- Stock purchase: Any accumulated holdings remain yours.
- PTO: Unused time off is paid out according to policy.
- Discounts: Associate discount card is deactivated at termination.
Follow up with the Benefits team to confirm when each benefit ends and next steps like COBRA enrollment. Failing to close accounts properly could result in you owing premiums.
Will I Get Paid Out for Unused PTO?
Yes, upon resigning from Walmart you will receive compensation for any accrued, unused paid time off (PTO) based on your tenure:
| Tenure | Maximum PTO Payout |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | None |
| 1-5 years | 80 hours |
| More than 5 years | 160 hours |
PTO payout is issued on your final paycheck and may be subject to standard tax withholding. Check your remaining PTO balance with your HR manager to estimate your payout.
Unfortunately if you have less than one year of service, you forfeit all unused PTO under Walmart‘s policies. So take any days off prior to resigning if possible.
Can I Resign Without Giving 2 Weeks Notice?
While you can technically quit immediately without notice, doing so will burn bridges. Unless you have special circumstances, provide at least 1 week notice as a courtesy.
Quitting unexpectedly reflects poorly on your professionalism and work ethic. It can disrupt team workflows and leave your colleagues hanging unexpectedly.
If you want the option to ever return to Walmart or use management as a reference, resigning properly is crucial. Don‘t let emotions drive your actions.
However, there are certain situations where quitting immediately may be warranted – safety issues, harassment, new job requirements, etc. Use judgment based on your circumstances.
If you do quit without notice, be prepared to possibly be marked ineligible for rehire depending on the circumstances. Protect your options.
Will Walmart Rehire Employees Who Have Quit?
Yes, Walmart often rehires former employees who left voluntarily and have a positive track record. However, there are strict eligibility requirements:
- Must have given proper notice when resigning
- No major disciplinary issues on record
- Wait at least 6 months after termination date before applying
- Reapply at a different store location
The key is resigning professionally and maintaining positive relationships to remain rehire eligible. Discuss your potential for future reemployment with management upon quitting.
According to Walmart data, nearly 20% of workers are rehired within one year. Keep that door open!
How Do I Get My Final Paycheck and W2?
After your last day, you‘ll receive your final paycheck by direct deposit on the next scheduled payday. It will include any unused PTO payout if applicable.
For your W2 tax statement, Walmart mails them to all employees by January 31st each year. The forms go to your last known home address.
If you don‘t receive your W2 by mid-February, call payroll to have it resent. You can also pick it up in person from your store‘s management.
Having your final pay stubs and W2 is crucial for filing taxes and managing your records. Follow up until you get them!
What If I Have More Questions Before Quitting?
Resigning from any job involves many steps. Before providing notice, be sure you understand:
- Benefits termination dates
- PTO payout eligibility
- 401(k) rollover or withdrawal options
- Stock purchase program impacts
- Final paycheck timing
Schedule a meeting with your HR contact or People Lead to discuss outstanding questions. They can explain policies around resigning, rehiring, benefits, and more.
The more informed you are before quitting, the smoother your transition will be. Do your homework up front.
Key Takeaways on Quitting Walmart in 2023
Resigning properly takes planning but pays dividends through positive relationships and reputation. Keep these tips in mind:
- Discuss resigning in person with your manager first
- Provide official written two weeks notice
- Work all shifts professionally until your last day
- Close out benefits and get final pay properly
- Maintain positive contacts for references
While new opportunities arise, never burn bridges when leaving a job. By resigning ethically and transparently, you set yourself up for future success.
