Challenges Faced by Walmart Employees: Customer Interactions and Workplace Discrimination

Working at Walmart can be a humbling and challenging experience. From dealing with impulsive shoppers and difficult customers to navigating a sometimes hostile work environment, Walmart employees face a variety of issues daily. This article explores some of the significant challenges faced by Walmart employees and offers a glimpse into the demanding nature of this retail gig.

Customer Interactions: Navigating Ignorance and Irritating Customs

One of the most frequent challenges faced by Walmart employees revolves around customer interactions. From unsuspecting shoppers who act as if they've never shopped before to those who rely on government assistance programs, Walmart employees often find themselves at the forefront of managing customer frustrations and irritations.

Ignorant Customers and Thieves

A common challenge faced by cashiers is dealing with customers who exhibit a lack of familiarity with the shopping process. Many of these individuals tend to behave as if they've never shopped before, making the transaction process cumbersome for the staff.

Another issue is dealing with customers who use government assistance programs, like SNAP. When there's an insufficient balance in the account, it can be challenging for cashiers to deal with customers who refuse help despite the availability of such solutions.

Expressions of Empathy and Discrimination

Within the context of helping customers, employees might also encounter moments of empathy and even conflict. During my time as a cashier, I witnessed a touching interaction where an elderly woman offered to cover the balance of a customer's SNAP expenses, only to be politely declined due to superstitions surrounding the concept of receiving assistance.

The Demands of the Job: Workplace Discrimination and Built-in Bias

Moving beyond customer interactions, Walmart employees also deal with various workplace challenges. These include discrimination, built-in biases, and a lack of understanding from management.

Discrimination and Built-in Bias at Walmart

I vividly remember a situation where, while hired as a cashier, my workplace supervisor instructed me to greet customers from the doorway instead of allowing me to start working at a register. My response was, “I dont remember the words we said but my cane came up. I used the word cripple. You cant say that word,” she insisted, displaying a lack of sensitivity and awareness regarding workplace inclusivity.

The Impact on Everyday Operations

Customer interactions and workplace discrimination can significantly impact the efficiency of everyday operations. Continuous interruptions from people yakking on their phones can hamper the smooth flow of transactions. Similarly, employees might deal with customers who refuse to pay attention and instead engage in conversations with others, leading to delays and frustration.

Workplace Stress and Customer Anxiety

Customer anxiety and workplace stress are also a constant presence in Walmart. Witnessing a customer's reaction to her multi-item purchase being incorrectly processed can lead to an unnecessary disruption. Additionally, employees must navigate uncomfortable situations with customers who lack the desire to follow proper procedures, such as paying for all items together or providing necessary information upfront.

The Role of Men in Their 20s and Workplace Dynamics

Finally, there are instances where men who are new to their first important job exhibit behavior that can be both amusing and frustrating. I recall a scenario where a young man casually tossed cash onto a moving belt, not even bothering to address the possibility of germs or unnecessary inconvenience. In response, I simply returned the cash to the belt, providing no further interaction, displaying a preference for efficiency over social niceties.

Conclusion

Working at Walmart is not just about managing customer interactions and sales; it also involves navigating a workplace filled with various challenges, from built-in biases to a lack of empathy. By understanding these challenges, management can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for its employees.

Keywords

Walmart employee challenges Customer interactions Workplace discrimination

References

[1] Walmart Employee Challenges

[2] Walmart Boss Shopping