If you work at Walmart and want to understand how shift swaps work, this is the article for you!
We’re going to find out right now what Walmart’s shift change policy is. And everything there is to know about swapping, canceling, and refusing a shift at Walmart.
How Do Shift Swaps Work at Walmart?
Walmart employees can use the Walmart schedule app to request shift swaps. Once the shift swap is requested, the coworker with whom you want to switch can approve or deny the offer. A manager can deny a shift swap if it means an employee would be working overtime.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- You can easily swap shifts at Walmart on the schedule app.
- It is possible to cancel a shift you picked up, but you need to talk to your Walmart manager.
- You can refuse to cover a shift at Walmart.
Now, let’s dig into the details so you know exactly how to swap shifts at Walmart!
How to Swap Shifts at Walmart
First things first, you need to understand the steps to take to swap your shift at Walmart. And luckily, it’s incredibly simple.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Log into your Walmart schedule app.
- Select the shift of yours that you want to switch.
- Select the shift of a coworker you want to work.
- Wait for the coworker to approve or deny the request.
That’s all there is to you! Your schedule will automatically switch the shifts online. And all you need to do is show up for the one you switched for.
Can You Cancel a Shift You Picked Up at Walmart?
Next, it’s important to note that if you picked up or switched a shift at Walmart without realizing you couldn’t make it, you cannot cancel it on the Walmart schedule app.
To drop a shift at Walmart, you need to speak directly to your manager or supervisor. While they may be able to help move a few things around, if they can’t, you should know that you will have to come in for the picked-up shift.
There are no excused absences at Walmart (unless you’re on medical leave.) That means if you don’t want attendance points on your record for missing a shift, you must use PTO or PPTO if you can’t come in.
Can a Manager Deny a Shift Swap?
Usually, if a shift swap is requested for identical hours, i.e. both shifts are 6 hours long, the manager doesn’t need to get involved.
However, a manager can always deny a shift swap if needed. This often happens when one of the shifts is longer than the other and means that one employee will be working overtime if the swap goes through.
Therefore, as Walmart does not like to pay overtime, the manager will likely deny the request.
Can You Refuse to Cover a Shift at Walmart?
According to Walmart’s shift change policy, all shift change requests can be approved or refused if another employee requests them.
For example, if your coworker wants you to switch shifts with them, you can certainly refuse to cover it.
On the other hand, if a manager needs to adjust the schedule after it was sent out, you cannot refuse the changes.
Sometimes, if you have an understanding manager, you can speak with them directly about the change and why you can’t work that day.
But if they cannot make an adjustment, you will have to use PTO or PPTO if you can’t work the newly-scheduled shift.
Conclusion
Walmart’s shift swap policy states that employees can use the Walmart schedule app to request, approve, and refuse shift swaps between themselves.
Usually, the only reason why a manager would deny a shift swap is if one employee would be working overtime after the change.
You cannot cancel a shift you picked up at Walmart; however, you may be able to talk directly to your manager to get it changed.
While you can refuse a shift swap from a fellow employee, if the manager requires the change, you will likely have to come in even if you preferred your previously scheduled shift.