2.1 Million Jobs to Remain Unchanged, Only Roles to Be Restructured
"As Long as Robots Aren't Customers, People Will Be Employed"
Walmart, the world’s largest retailer and the top private employer globally, has announced plans to maintain its current workforce size over the next three years, even as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to spread throughout the industry. Amid growing concerns that digital transformation will replace jobs, CEO Doug McMillon stated, “Change is inevitable, but the role of people remains crucial,” reaffirming the company’s commitment to its employees.
Cashiers are working at the checkout counters in a Walmart store located in Porter Ranch, Los Angeles. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News Agency
At the ‘Opportunity Summit’ held at Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, on the 27th (local time), CEO McMillon said, “Even if our profits increase in the future, we plan to maintain our current global workforce of about 2.1 million employees,” adding, “The composition of job roles may change.” He further explained, “AI technology will impact nearly every job, and no one can be completely untouched by this wave of change.” However, he emphasized the importance of “building bridges so that no one is left behind,” highlighting the need for an “inclusive transition.”
Structural Changes Driven by AI Accelerate
Walmart has already been introducing AI and automation into its stores and logistics systems for several years. In warehouses, automated equipment is replacing some workers, and there are ongoing discussions about transitioning ‘non-customer-facing’ tasks, such as stocking and inventory management, to AI-based systems.
As a result, traditional repetitive tasks are being reduced, while new roles based on emerging technologies are being created. One notable example is the introduction of the ‘Agent Builder’ position, responsible for designing AI tools to help product planners work more efficiently.
Meanwhile, staff who interact directly with customers-such as store associates, delivery drivers, and bakers-are actually being expanded. CEO McMillon stressed, “Services that involve face-to-face interactions will always remain people-centered,” adding, “The principle that people serve people will not change.”
$1 Billion for Retraining: “Investing in People, Not Just Technology”
Walmart is also overhauling its job retraining system to help employees adapt to the AI era. Internally, all jobs are being classified into three categories-‘expanding,’ ‘maintaining,’ and ‘reducing’-to analyze training needs in response to these changes. The company is also collaborating with OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, to design customized AI education programs for its employees.
The company plans to invest a total of $1 billion in education and training programs by 2026. This reflects the belief that investing in people, rather than just technology, will yield greater long-term returns.
CEO McMillon’s remarks are being interpreted as a message to the broader U.S. industry. Recently, companies such as Ford, JPMorgan Chase, and Amazon have also publicly indicated that AI could lead to workforce reductions.
Some predict that as AI technology advances, the introduction of humanoid robots is not far off. However, CEO McMillon dismissed this possibility, stating, “As long as robots cannot become customers who buy products and use services, we will always need to serve people,” and emphasized, “There will always be a person in front of the customer.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
