What is it like working under flexible schedule like those at Walmart?
Asked by Jason
Some companies like Walmart have flexible schedules and such. What do you think about this kind of system? How does it affect your life or do you think that it is actually quite a good system?

Best Answer:
If you've ever worked retail you know you have to be flexible and this is what retailers are asking of their employees now more than ever. I worked for Walmart toward the end of my retail years and although they asked you to be flexible, you could always compromise with your manager on this issue. Now, home office is trying to homogenize schedules with each job. Problem is they are not allowing each store to tailor schedules to their own desires so the employees get the short end of the deal and to some degree this will effect customers too (bad coverage being most noticeable). Walmart IMHO is crossing the line by now requiring employees to work very random schedules that make their home life pretty hectic. I left before this all happened but still know many working there putting up with it and feel sorry for them. While I understand the thinking behind this schedule, it's not practical for someone to work it. In the end with the computer blindly scheduling based on dry algorithms, customers may find less staff in the store when actually needed. These crazy schedules will make turnover high leaving you with less experienced staff which aren't as able to help customers. I don't mean to sound biased but being away from retail for years, this new scheduling still doesn't look to do anyone much good.