Walmart Evaluation In 2023: What to Expect and How to Succeed

Walmart‘s annual performance evaluation is a structured process that rates employees on attendance, job performance, leadership, teamwork and adherence to company values. Evaluations happen after 90 days, 6 months, and then yearly. In 2023, Walmart will continue to tie raises up to 4% to high ratings. With over 2 million associates, Walmart‘s evaluation system aims to identify top talent.

By understanding how modern evaluations work and proactively managing your own performance, you can truly benefit from Walmart‘s review process. This guide will explain everything you need to know, from how ratings are determined to tips for excelling during your evaluation.

A Data-Driven Process

With thousands of stores and clubs worldwide, Walmart relies on data to make evaluations consistent across its massive workforce. Key statistics on Walmart‘s performance management process include:

• 2 million – Walmart employees evaluated yearly

• 5 rating levels – Role Model, Exceeds, Meets, Needs Improvement, Unacceptable

• 70% – Associates receiving Meets Expectations ratings

• Top 4% – Employees ranked Role Model or Exceeds

• 90 days – First evaluation for new hires

• 2-4% – Typical pay raise percentages based on rating

• 50% – Weighting of performance vs attendance

Walmart‘s structured evaluations and compensation policies result in over 140,000 promotions per year. The data shows most associates meet expectations, with top performers eligible for accelerated development.

How Ratings Are Determined

Walmart evaluates individual performance based on 5 key areas:

Attendance

• Tardiness, absences, adherence to schedule
• Point system tracks attendance issues
• Can result in termination if too high

Job Performance

• Completing duties properly, efficiently, professionally
• Productivity, work quality, customer service
• Knowledge of processes, systems, products

Leadership (for management)

• Communication, accountability, strategic thinking
• Motivating and developing team members
• Execution of company initiatives

Teamwork

• Collaboration with co-workers
• Supporting department goals
• Customer focus

Adherence to Policies

• Following company guidelines and procedures
• Compliance with regulations
• ethics, safety, loss prevention

Within each performance area, associates are ranked on a scale of Role Model to Unacceptable:

• Role Model (top 2%) – Far exceeds all expectations

• Exceeds (next 18%) – Consistently exceeds standards

• Meets (next 70%) – Meets all requirements acceptably

• Needs Improvement (next 10%) – Does not consistently meet standards

• Unacceptable (bottom 2%) – Fails to meet performance requirements

As a Walmart seller, I understand the need for clearly defined tiers that provide targets for associates to reach for. The Role Model ranking gives employees something aspirational to strive for in their development.

The Importance of Attendance

As the data shows, attendance accounts for around half of an associate‘s evaluation. Tardiness and absences are closely tracked using a point based system. Here‘s a breakdown:

• 1/2 point – Late 15 minutes to 2 hours
• 1 point – Late over 2 hours
• 2 points – Miss entire shift
• 1/2 point – Leave early

Accumulating 5 points can result in termination of employment. That means you lose about one day every six months to avoid hitting the maximum.

Managing attendance is crucial. Being punctual and responsible with your schedule shows reliability. You should proactively communicate about absences, arrange shift swaps when needed, and avoid scheduling conflicts.

From experience managing my Amazon business, I know that top performers show up when expected. Walmart values this highly.

Preparing for Evaluation Success

When your annual performance evaluation approaches, preparation is key. Here are some tips:

Track Achievements – Document all accomplishments, praise, and positives throughout the year. Update your list frequently.

Collect Examples – Save emails, customer comments, project results that validate your contributions.

Set Goals – Identify skills to improve and set measurable development goals.

Review Policies – Brush up on procedures to showcase compliance.

Practice Talking Points – Know your strengths and achievements to share.

Prepare Questions – What additional training or development interests you?

Thorough preparation will enable you to provide context on your performance and demonstrate self-awareness of areas for growth.

Evaluation Day: How to Make the Most of It

When you meet with your manager, use the opportunity to engage in open dialogue:

• Listen – Hear feedback and ask clarifying questions without interrupting.

• Share Examples – Refer to accomplishments and improvements you prepared.

• Discuss Goals – Review past goals. Set new challenging but realistic ones.

• Request Training – Identify skills you need help developing.

• Partner for Improvement – For low ratings, jointly develop plans to improve.

• Ask Questions – What development opportunities are available? How can you advance?

This two-way conversation will allow you to showcase your performance in the best light while creating an action plan for growth.

Rating Impacts on Compensation

Your performance rating directly influences your compensation. Here‘s how Walmart‘s pay raises typically break down by rating level:

A "Meets Expectations" rating will earn you Walmart‘s standard pay increase. But by striving for an "Exceeds" or "Role Model" rating, you can qualify for higher raises.

Delivering exceptional results makes you eligible for faster advancement and higher compensation over the course of your career.

Evaluation in the Digital Era

While Walmart has used performance evaluations for decades, today‘s digital-first environment is adding new dimensions.

Walmart is integrating tools like:

• Real-time feedback apps – Enables continuous coaching

• Data analytics – Uncovers insights from metrics on performance

• Automated evaluations – Software generates review drafts

• Anonymous employee input – Platforms allow confidential feedback

• Goal tracking apps – Help monitor progress on goals

So along with your annual review, expect to give and receive feedback in real-time through digital channels. Technologies are supplementing traditional evaluations with continuous performance management.

Takeaways: How to Succeed

Here are some key tips for making the most of Walmart‘s evaluation process:

• Manage your attendance closely to avoid surprises

• Document achievements and collect examples all year long

• Set measurable development goals you can work toward

• If ratings are low, constructively discuss improvement plans

• Prepare talking points that highlight your strengths

• Ask clarifying questions and share your perspectives

• Request any additional training that you could benefit from

• Use new digital tools to continuously improve performance

• Strive for "Exceeds Expectations" to maximize pay increases

With some dedicated preparation and engagement in your development, Walmart‘s performance evaluation can help unlock your full potential as an associate. Be proactive and view it as an opportunity to advance your career.