Walmart is closing three of its technology offices in California, Oregon, and Texas, forcing hundreds of employees to choose between relocating to another office or leaving the company. The decision is part of a broader crackdown on remote work at the retail behemoth.
Many employees who have been working remotely for years are concerned about Walmart’s shift toward in-person work. While the company initially supported remote work, it has recently changed its policy and begun urging employees to return to the office while promising a flexible work environment, including a hybrid model that will allow employees to work from home on certain days for its tech employees.
This decision is motivated by the company’s belief that in-person work is more productive and improves team collaboration. It will also start requiring all of its technology employees to come into the office at least two days per week. It is offering relocation packages to employees who want to move to a different office, but the process may not be feasible for everyone.
The decision to close the tech hubs comes as Walmart shifts its focus to digital sales in response to increased competition from e-commerce behemoths such as Amazon. As it seeks to increase online sales and compete with rivals, the company has made significant investments in technology, including its online marketplace and delivery services.
The sources for this piece include an article in BusinessInsider.