Walmart CEO Says AI Will Touch Every Job
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon announced that AI will significantly impact every job at the company, with some roles disappearing and new ones emerging. At a workforce conference, he emphasized the goal is to help employees adapt rather than cut jobs. Walmart's workforce of 2.1 million is expected to remain stable over the next three years, despite changing job roles. The company has already implemented AI chatbots and created new positions, while maintaining a focus on human customer service. This reflects a broader trend in corporate America regarding AI's influence on employment.
Walmart , America's largest private employer, is bracing for a major shake-up in how work gets done. CEO Doug McMillon said artificial intelligence will touch virtually every job at the company, with some roles disappearing and others taking shape in ways the retailer hasn't seen before.
At a workforce conference in Bentonville, Arkansas, McMillon stressed the goal is not to cut people out but to help them adapt. Our goal is to create the opportunity for everybody to make it to the other side, he told the audience. Walmart expects its global workforce of about 2.1 million to stay roughly the same size over the next three years, even as sales rise, though the mix of jobs will change.
Already, the company has rolled out AI chatbots for customers, suppliers, and employees, and even introduced a new agent builder role. While automation has trimmed some warehouse work, Walmart has added jobs in trucking, delivery, and store upkeep. McMillon also dismissed the notion of humanoid robots roaming aisles, saying people will continue serving customers face-to-face.
It's part of a bigger reckoning across corporate America over AI's impact on workers.
