As Target and Walmart brace for more online shopping this holiday season due to the coronavirus pandemic, the mega retailers have announced their seasonal plans — which include hiring a combined 150,000 employees with starting rates in the $15-an-hour range.
Walmart announced it plans to hire 20,000 seasonal associates for its eCommerce fulfillment centers, with starting rates between $15.75 and $23.75 an hour based on location, position and schedule.
Target anticipates its seasonal hiring will be on par with 2019, when it brought on 130,000 additional employees. Starting wages for Target employees will be $15 an hour. On July 5, the retailer permanently raised its starting wage for U.S. team members to $15 per hour.
Here’s what else you need to know about seasonal employment at Walmart and Target:
Seasonal Hiring at Walmart
Those interested in working at one of Walmart’s e-commerce fulfillment centers can visit walmartcareers.com/fcjobs or text “FC” to 240240 to apply for a variety of positions, including order fillers and power equipment operators. Seasonal employment begins quickly, with shifts starting as soon as 48 hours after being hired.
While jobs continue through Jan. 1, 2021, in many instances, Walmart says these positions convert to regular employment.
Walmart has pinpointed a few customer trends it expects to emerge during this unique shopping season, including an increase in online shopping and the need for a fast, easy and safe shopping experience. Customers’ wish lists also reflect a new normal, and Walmart has increased the availability of athleisure, loungewear, outdoor grills, bicycles, exercise equipment and outdoor sporting goods.
“The holidays are always a special time, and this year, we think the season will mean even more to our customers,” Greg Smith, executive vice president for supply chain for Walmart U.S., said in a statement. “As more of them turn to online shopping, we want to ensure we’re staffed and ready to help deliver that special gift to their loved ones while continuing to fulfill our customer’s everyday needs.”
In recent years, Walmart has scaled back on hiring seasonal employees and focused on retaining employees.
Seasonal Hiring at Target
Target also announced its seasonal hiring plan, and the retailer expects twice as many store team members will be dedicated to contactless services, including drive-up and order pick-up jobs, through the holidays. Target’s distribution centers will also hire more seasonal team members than last year to help manage inventory that’s shipped to stores.
Target also outlined its coronavirus health and wellness benefits, which includes free access to health care through virtual doctor visits for all team members through the end of 2020, mental health support with five free counseling sessions, as well as personal protective equipment including face masks and gloves to wear at work.
Target is also offering backup care for its team members who need help with childcare or elder care and has a waived absenteeism policy for coronavirus-related illness.
About 40% of Target’s seasonal employees stay on after the holidays.
Will you be looking for seasonal work this holiday season?
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