Walmart, the world’s largest private employer, has recently conducted a significant survey to gauge its employees’ perceptions of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace. This initiative aimed to address the growing concerns surrounding AI and its impact on job security. In June 2026, the company reached out to its 2.1 million employees, receiving over 1.7 million responses, which highlighted the importance of adequate training in alleviating fears related to new technology.

Maren Waggoner, Walmart’s Chief People Officer, presented the survey findings at a CNBC summit in New York. The data revealed that 77 per cent of office workers expressed enthusiasm about the potential of AI to enhance their daily tasks. Furthermore, 84 per cent of frontline workers in the United States reported feeling confident in their ability to use digital tools effectively in their roles.

Investment in Training Through Partnerships

To facilitate the adaptation of its workforce to AI technologies, Walmart has collaborated with Google and OpenAI over the past 13 months. The company is offering free AI certification and learning programmes to its employees, a strategy that has reportedly yielded positive results. Employees who completed the OpenAI training noted a 27 per cent increase in their confidence when utilising AI tools.

Waggoner emphasised that equipping workers with the right tools and training enables them to enhance their daily performance. This proactive approach has proven effective in fostering a culture of innovation within the organisation.

In contrast to the general public’s apprehension towards AI, Walmart employees exhibit a higher level of comfort and excitement. A poll conducted by the Pew Research Center in August 2026 indicated that 52 per cent of US adults felt more concerned than excited about AI. However, Walmart’s workforce appears to be leveraging technology to their advantage rather than fearing it.

Collaboration Between Humans and AI

Despite widespread concerns regarding AI’s potential to replace human jobs, Walmart is exploring ways to utilise technology to complement human efforts rather than eliminate them. At the company’s innovation lab in Dallas, Texas, the implementation of automation for physically demanding tasks has resulted in the creation of new quality assurance roles, countering the narrative of widespread job losses.

Moreover, Walmart has recognised that customers still prefer interacting with human cashiers at checkout counters. This insight allows employees to focus on employing AI to address specific business challenges while maintaining a personal touch in customer service.

For instance, a store manager in Mexico developed an AI tool to analyse daily reports, which significantly boosted fresh produce sales without altering the overall management of the store. This example illustrates how Walmart is integrating AI into its operations to enhance productivity while preserving the human element in retail.

Contrasting Experiences in the Tech Industry

While Walmart’s initiatives are positively impacting its retail workforce, the narrative is markedly different within the tech industry. Many software and corporate employees are experiencing job losses and restructuring as a direct result of AI advancements. This disparity highlights the contrasting experiences of workers in various sectors as they navigate the evolving landscape of technology.

As organisations increasingly invest in AI, the need for effective training and support becomes paramount. Walmart’s approach serves as a case study in how proper training can mitigate fears and empower employees to embrace technological advancements in their roles.

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