‘America’s largest private employer tells its employees AI will not take their job’

Walmart has told its more than 2.1 million employees that AI is meant to improve their jobs, not replace them, reports Financial Times. Speaking at Walmart's annual Associates Week gathering in Arkansas, company leaders said technology will play a bigger role in the future of work, but employees will remain at the center of the business. The comments come at a time when concerns are growing about AI's impact on jobs across industries. As quoted in the report, addressing thousands of workers, Walmart Chief People Officer Donna Morris said the company's future would be shaped by both technology and people.


"Technology will power our future. But our associates will lead it," Morris said.


Executives used the event to highlight how AI is already being used across the company. Walmart recently announced that any US employee can now get certified in the use of OpenAI tools. The retailer said AI is helping workers complete tasks more efficiently rather than replacing them.

How AI is being used across Walmart’s business

Sharing how Walmart employees are using AI to solve business problems, executives revealed a tool developed by a freight transport manager that helps truck drivers find the best loads near the end of their workweek.


According to Walmart Chief Talent Officer Lo Stomski, the tool "reduces empty miles. It saves the company money, and it helps keep Walmart's commitment to getting drivers home."


As per the FT report, Walmart is also using AI to help design products, improve inventory management and support self-checkout systems. Daniel Danker, Walmart's executive vice-president for AI acceleration, product and design, said AI could help the company better predict customer demand.


"What I hope for, the kind of north star that I imagine, is if there's a sudden heatwave, all of a sudden all the items you would need in a heatwave are right there, available for delivery in 30 minutes or less," Danker said as quoted in the report.