How to Call Out at Walmart: A Step-by-Step Guide

Calling out of work is sometimes necessary, whether it's due to illness, a family emergency, or another unforeseen circumstance. If you work at Walmart and need to call out, it's essential to follow the proper procedures to ensure that your absence is handled smoothly and professionally. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to call out at Walmart.

Understanding Walmart’s Attendance Policy

Before calling out, it's crucial to understand Walmart's attendance policy. Walmart uses a points-based attendance system, where associates accumulate points for unexcused absences or tardiness. Accumulating too many points can lead to disciplinary action, including termination. Therefore, it's important to call out properly to avoid unnecessary points.

Step 1: Check Your Schedule and Assess the Situation

The first step is to check your work schedule. Knowing when you're supposed to work helps you inform the right people about your absence. Assess the situation to determine if calling out is absolutely necessary. If you are genuinely sick, dealing with a family emergency, or facing another significant issue, it's appropriate to call out. Remember, it's always better to stay home if you're unwell, especially to prevent spreading illness to coworkers and customers.

Step 2: Contact Your Supervisor

As soon as you know you need to call out, contact your supervisor. The earlier you notify them, the better, as this gives them more time to arrange coverage for your shift. Walmart prefers that associates call their immediate supervisor first. If you cannot reach your supervisor, you should then contact the store manager or the assistant manager.

Be clear and concise when explaining your reason for calling out. You don't need to go into great detail, but providing a brief explanation helps your supervisor understand the situation. For example, you might say, "I'm feeling very ill today and won't be able to come in for my shift," or "I'm dealing with a family emergency and need to take the day off."

Step 3: Use the Walmart Associate Information Line

Walmart provides an Associate Information Line that you can call to report your absence. The number is 1-800-775-5944. When you call this number, you’ll need to provide your Walmart Identification Number (WIN), your birthdate, and the store number where you work.

Follow the automated prompts to report your absence. The system will generate a confirmation number, which you should write down for your records. This confirmation number is proof that you properly reported your absence and can be useful if there are any discrepancies later.

Step 4: Follow Up with Sedgwick

If your absence is due to a more extended illness or another reason that requires you to be out for more than one day, you might need to contact Sedgwick, Walmart’s third-party administrator for leave of absence. Sedgwick handles various types of leaves, including medical leave, family leave, and personal leave.

To report a leave of absence, you can contact Sedgwick at 1-800-492-5678 or visit their website. You will need to provide detailed information about your situation, and they may require documentation, such as a doctor's note.

Step 5: Update Your Availability in the Walmart App

Walmart associates can update their availability and report absences through the WalmartOne app or the My Walmart Schedule app. These apps allow you to manage your schedule, view your time-off balance, and communicate with your managers. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in the app, and use it to notify your supervisor of your absence if you can't reach them directly by phone.

Step 6: Communicate with Your Coworkers

While it's not mandatory, it's courteous to inform your close coworkers about your absence, especially if you work in a tight-knit team or have specific responsibilities that might need to be covered. A quick message or call to let them know you're not coming in can help them prepare for your absence.

Step 7: Document Everything

Keep a record of all communications related to your absence. This includes notes of phone calls, confirmation numbers from the Associate Information Line, and any emails or messages sent to your supervisor or coworkers. Having this documentation can protect you in case there are any issues or misunderstandings regarding your absence.

Conclusion

Calling out at Walmart involves a few steps, but following these procedures ensures that your absence is properly documented and communicated. By notifying your supervisor, using the Associate Information Line, and possibly contacting Sedgwick, you can manage your time off in a professional manner. Always be honest and prompt in your communications, and keep records of your interactions to safeguard against any potential problems. This approach not only helps you maintain a good standing with your employer but also supports the smooth operation of your team in your absence.