Walmart, Amazon Push Benefit Programs in Driver Recruitment Efforts
Amid the protracted labor shortage, Walmart is shoring up staffing for the holiday season, saying Wednesday it plans to hire about 40,000 “for a great holiday season and beyond.” The staff adds are in seasonal and full-time roles for in-store…
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and e-commerce shopping; full-time, permanent truck drivers; and customer care associates, blogged Maren Waggoner, Walmart U.S. senior vice president-field people. The retailer will prepare for the season by offering more hours on a temporary basis to current employees who want them, Waggoner said. The executive promoted Walmart benefits including 100% of the cost of college tuition and books through the company’s Live Better U program; skill development via Walmart Academies; medical coverage starting at $31.40 per paycheck; no-cost counseling sessions; paid time off and paid sick leave; and a 401(k) match and stock purchase plan for qualifying employees. The retailer’s U.S. average wage is over $17 an hour, she said. Amazon, meanwhile, expanded its Delivery Service Partners program, saying Wednesday it will contribute an additional $60 million to help small-business DSPs match employee 401(k) contributions. Amazon also launched Next Mile, an educational program that provides participating DSPs funding up to $5,250 per eligible driver per year for access to over 1,700 academic programs, including bachelor's and associate degrees, skill certifications, and high school completion courses. Amazon now supports participating DSPs in offering their drivers education and career advancement benefits and financial planning for the future, as well as business coaching and resourcing for DSP owners themselves, the company said. Next Mile will be available to drivers of participating DSPs beginning in January, Amazon said.