Walmart’s AI Makes 85% of Workers Nervous—Now They’re Stuck Fixing Its Messes
Walmart is rolling out AI tools across thousands of stores, but employees say they’re spending more time correcting the software than letting it help them.
The retail giant has pushed AI-powered apps and training to frontline workers, with systems now assigning daily tasks, setting performance targets, and suggesting delivery routes. But a new survey shows deep distrust: over 85% of Walmart employees don’t trust the company to prioritize their needs when developing AI, and half fear the technology will penalize them for mistakes [221673].
Workers report concrete problems. An HR manager said AI assigns tasks with unrealistic expectations, assuming workers will be “perfect every single time.” An online fulfillment worker said the AI’s suggested store routes make her slower, not faster. Drivers for Walmart’s Spark delivery service say a “smart path” feature sometimes tells them to pick up frozen items like ice and TV dinners first, letting them thaw before delivery [221673].
A separate AI tool that monitors store safety sends alerts about spills or refrigerator temperatures, but workers say it often needs human judgment to decide if a warning is real. One worker said she simply ignores the alerts on her personal phone [221673].
Walmart says employee feedback is key to improving the tools. Brooks Forrest, Walmart’s vice president for associate tools, said stores can use the software as they see fit. “We do not punish people for not following the tech guidance,” he said [221673].
Still, some workers see potential. About 40% of those surveyed said AI could make their jobs easier or reduce repetitive tasks. Elizabeth Nigh, an asset protection manager in Wisconsin, said AI can learn which aisles employees handle best and create a clear daily plan, saving time waiting for instructions [221673].
Ava Williams, an overnight stocker in Spokane, Washington, said AI-assigned timelines push her team to skip important steps like sanitizing shelves or checking expired products. She presented a shareholder proposal asking Walmart to report on AI’s impact on its workforce, but the measure was not approved [221673].
Walmart’s board opposed the proposal, saying technology should “elevate human capability” and make work more meaningful. The company says it remains committed to training and career development as AI becomes more common in its stores [221673].