The system used to track employee attendance and performance at Walmart relies on an “occurrence” system. An occurrence, in this context, represents an instance of unscheduled absence or tardiness. For example, arriving late for a scheduled shift, or being absent without prior approval, can each result in an occurrence being recorded.
The application of a structured attendance policy aims to ensure operational efficiency and consistent staffing levels. A clearly defined occurrence threshold, consistently applied, provides a framework for managing unscheduled absences, allowing the company to address staffing issues proactively. The historical context for such policies lies in the need for large retail operations to maintain predictable and reliable workforce schedules to meet customer demand.