Archive · 23 Nov 2025
Walmart's Turnaround: Investing in People and AI
Walmart used to be hated for treating workers poorly, but its CEO Doug McMillon changed that by investing in employees.
Now, Walmart is carefully using AI to improve jobs, not just cut costs.
McMillon and his successor started as hourly workers, so they understand the importance of these jobs.
Walmart's reputation improved under Doug McMillon's leadership
McMillon invested $2.7 billion in employee wages, training, and benefits
Walmart's stock returned nearly 420% during McMillon's tenure
Walmart is cautiously embracing AI, focusing on employee impact
McMillon and successor John Furner both started as hourly associates
- Who
- Walmart, Doug McMillon, John Furner
- What
- Invested in employees and cautiously embraced AI
- When
- 2014 to present
- Where
- Walmart stores and corporate offices
- Why
- To improve reputation, business performance, and employee well-being
Pro-Employee Stance
Pro-Business Stance
Employee Treatment
Pro-Employee Stance
Investing in employees improves reputation and business performance
Pro-Business Stance
Focusing solely on cost-cutting can boost short-term profits
- Stock return under McMillon
- nearly 420%
- Walmart's market cap
- more than tripled
- McMillon's and Furner's starting roles
- hourly associates