Happy to Help: How Walmart’s Simple Phrase Impacts Customer Experience.

It’s hard to remember a time when “Happy to Help” was not the mantra for Walmart. We pride ourselves in striving to put the customer first and helping them in a way only we can.

Over the last week, I think so many of us have watched how people are responding in the wake of having to change their daily routines. I am so encouraged by the amount of positivity and gratitude that is being shared during this time. And it makes me so proud to work for a company that is stepping up and sharing the same positivity and gratitude. Walmart is providing for its hardworking associates who come to work and faithfully serve our customers every day. 

No matter how hard we try and avoid low points in life, we all experience them from time-to-time. Rarely, does life go as we plan. But the way Walmart’s associates have consistently been a spark of positivity in their communities is remarkable. They are ready and ‘happy to help.’ 

I’ve seen stories thanking truck drivers and supply chain management for their around-the-clock service to transport goods across the country – a job that too often we take for granted. [see my post here]

I’ve read how Walmart store associates are going out of their way to support our customers [see this post], even if it means opening an umbrella over their heads during the hour we open earlier to allow a special shopping hour for senior citizens.

Fifty-eight years ago, when Sam Walton founded Walmart, I don’t know that he would have predicted this day, yet his words are still applicable:

“Let’s go for it! Let’s take care of our associates; and they’ll take care of our customers;”

We strive to provide low prices for our customers so they can live better; but just like Mr. Sam said – that is two-fold. We can’t serve our customers, open the stores, stock the shelves, deliver the product, or answer services calls without our associates. 

And the announcements Walmart U.S. has made in the last week are just one example of how Walmart remains grounded in taking care of its associates. In case you missed it:

For our store associates:

• Walmart created an expedited hiring process to hire 150,000 new store associates
• And is providing a much-deserved bonus to our Walmart U.S. hourly associates.

For our Supply Chain Associates:

• There will be a temporary $2/hour pay increase for all hourly associates in FCs from now through Memorial Day.
• Walmart will be offering a $250 referral bonus to FC associates who refer a new hire. The newly hired associate also receives a $250 referral bonus.

Mr. Sam was right – when you value your associates – they will serve your customers. When an associate says “Happy to help” it doesn’t just stop at the shelf; it’s the “Save Money and Live Better” culture that this company was founded on.  

The customer’s experience continues to be top-of-mind for our company. The millions we serve every day; who trust us for our prices and our product remain at the heart of what we do. The smiles and relief on our customers’ faces are why we do what we do. 

We are Happy to Help.