As part of Walmart’s continued focus on improving and enhancing the store experience for associates and customers, the company recently awarded $7.4 million in second quarter cash bonuses to the approximately 36,000 hourly associates in Georgia. The bonuses, which were based on individual stores’ performances from May through July of this year, are part of an overall incentive plan designed to reward associates whose stores have met their performance and customer service goals. Eligible associates can earn these bonuses four times a year.
 
“Walmart is committed to helping associates build a career with the company through recent investments in higher pay, better training, clearer career paths and additional education opportunities,” said Jeff Caples, a regional general manager for Walmart here in Georgia. “The second quarter cash bonuses re-emphasize that commitment but also highlight the importance Walmart is placing on providing associates with the skills, knowledge and tools they need to grow with the company.”
 
Walmart’s Investment in our Associates
 
· In 2015, Walmart announced a two-year, $2.7 billion investment in our associates. The commitment includes investments in education, training and higher wages. As a result, more than 1.2 million Walmart and Sam’s Club associates in the United States received pay increases on the same day earlier this year. The second quarter bonuses are not part of the $2.7 billion.
 
· Associate training is a key component of Walmart’s associate investment strategy. This year Walmart announced plans to open 200 Academies across the U.S. designed to teach advanced retail skills to department managers and hourly supervisors. More than 140,000 associates are expected to go through the training program each year.
 
· Walmart is investing in training at all levels of its stores. In February the company rolled out its Pathways training program for all entry-level workers, providing training, education and opportunities for associates, offering them a clearer career path from entry level positions to jobs with more responsibility and higher pay.