Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, has reportedly begun summoning employees to its offices for in-person termination meetings, raising concerns over workplace ethics and employee well-being.
The layoffs, which primarily affect corporate and technology teams, are part of Walmart’s broader restructuring strategy aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs.
A viral LinkedIn post by a Bengaluru-based Walmart employee described the office atmosphere as tense and fear-driven, with workers uncertain about their job security.
The employee claimed that those who were not laid off felt more anxious than relieved, fearing they could be next.
Walmart Layoffs: Scope and Restructuring Strategy
According to reports, Walmart is cutting 1,500 corporate jobs, impacting employees at its Bentonville, Arkansas headquarters and other office locations.
The layoffs primarily target roles within:
- Global Technology Team – Supporting Walmart’s digital and supply chain infrastructure.
- Advertising Division – Walmart Connect, the company’s digital marketing arm.
- E-commerce Fulfillment Centers – Streamlining online order management.
An internal memo signed by Walmart’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Suresh Kumar and U.S. CEO John Furner outlined the rationale behind the layoffs, stating that the restructuring aims to simplify operations, accelerate decision-making, and reduce complexity.
Employee Reactions and Workplace Anxiety
The viral LinkedIn post by a Bengaluru-based Walmart employee described the face-to-face firing process as emotionally distressing.
The employee wrote: “There is a Walmart f2f firing drive (yes, I said FIRING, not HIRING) going on. Walmart is calling people into the office to tell them they are fired.”
She emphasized that remaining employees will fear job insecurity, putting in extra hours to demonstrate their value and avoid potential layoffs.
Social media reactions to the layoffs have been divided, with many users criticizing Walmart’s approach to handling job cuts.
Others highlighted the growing influence of AI and automation, suggesting that technology is playing a major role in workforce reductions.
H-1B Visa Controversy and Outsourcing Debate
The layoffs have reignited debates over H-1B visa hiring practices, with some critics alleging that Walmart is replacing American workers with foreign labor.
Social media users expressed frustration, questioning whether Walmart would increase H-1B hires while cutting domestic jobs.
However, others argued that outsourcing, rather than visa hiring, is the primary issue, as companies seek cheaper labor solutions.
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