Walmart CEO: AI to Transform All Jobs Across Workforce

Walmart CEO: “Every Job We’ve Got Is Going to Change” as AI Reshapes Retail

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon has issued a stark warning about the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workforce, stating that “every job we’ve got is going to change.” In a series of recent interviews and public statements, McMillon emphasized that AI is not just automating tasks but fundamentally reshaping roles across the company’s 2.1 million-strong global workforce. This shift is already underway, with Walmart partnering with OpenAI to introduce AI-first shopping experiences and investing heavily in employee upskilling to prepare for the future.

AI’s Impact on Walmart’s Workforce

McMillon’s comments come amid a broader industry reckoning with AI’s role in the workplace. At Walmart’s Opportunity Summit in Bentonville last month, he stressed that AI will touch nearly every job, from warehouse floors to executive offices. “Maybe there’s a job in the world that AI won’t change, but I haven’t thought of it,” McMillon told the Wall Street Journal, as reported by CNBC.

The transformation will unfold at different speeds across job categories. Home office roles, which are more exposed to digital workflows, are likely to evolve first, with early adoption of AI-driven chatbots and supply chain analytics. Frontline employees in stores and distribution centers will experience more gradual shifts as technology becomes embedded in operational processes.

Walmart does not anticipate major reductions in its overall headcount for at least the next three years, according to McMillon and company leaders. Instead, old responsibilities are expected to fade away while new, often higher-paying roles appear. This evolution is shaped by continuous investments in employee upskilling and training, an approach that aims to equip the current workforce to fill the emerging roles created by automation and AI.

Walmart’s AI-First Shopping Experiences

Walmart’s partnership with OpenAI marks a significant step in its AI strategy. The collaboration will allow customers and members to shop Walmart through ChatGPT using Instant Checkout. Whether planning meals, restocking household essentials, or finding something new, customers can simply chat and buy, and Walmart will handle the rest.

“For many years now, eCommerce shopping experiences have consisted of a search bar and a long list of item responses. That is about to change,” McMillon said. “There is a native AI experience coming that is multi-media, personalized and contextual. We are running towards that more enjoyable and convenient future with Sparky and through partnerships including this important step with OpenAI.”

This AI-first approach is already yielding results. Walmart and Sam’s Club leverage AI across every part of the business, from enhancing the product catalog to reduce fashion production timelines by up to 18 weeks, to ensuring a more seamless shopping journey and cutting customer care resolution times by up to 40%.

Industry Impact and Employee Reskilling

McMillon framed the AI-driven future as an opportunity to “create the chance for everybody to make it to the other side,” prioritizing employee reskilling as jobs evolve. Walmart’s approach is part of a broader trend in the retail and tech sectors, where companies are investing in training programs to help workers adapt to new technologies.

However, the transition is not without challenges. Walmart has announced a hiring freeze over the next three years, joining a chorus of big Wall Street companies that are now openly discussing the potential for AI to displace jobs. The CEO of Ford recently predicted that AI will replace half of all white-collar workers in the US, underscoring the urgency of reskilling initiatives.

Context and Implications

Walmart’s embrace of AI reflects a broader shift in the retail industry, where companies are leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, personalize customer experiences, and stay competitive. The company’s focus on employee reskilling and upskilling is a critical component of this strategy, aiming to ensure that workers are not left behind as technology advances.

As AI continues to reshape the workforce, the lessons from Walmart’s experience will be closely watched by other companies and policymakers. The success of these initiatives will depend on a combination of technological innovation, strategic investment in human capital, and a commitment to inclusive growth.

In conclusion, Walmart’s journey with AI serves as a powerful example of how large organizations can navigate the challenges and opportunities of technological change. By prioritizing employee reskilling and embracing innovation, Walmart is positioning itself to thrive in the AI-driven future.