Short Answer 
Walmart defines a full-time work week as 32 hours instead of the conventional 40, allowing it to classify many employees as part-time and avoid providing benefits such as health insurance and paid time off. This strategy helps the company save on labor costs while maximizing scheduling flexibility and operational efficiency.
1. Definition of Full-Time Work Week
Walmart defines a full-time work week as comprising 32 hours to strategically navigate labor regulations and benefits. This threshold differs from the conventional 40 hours that is typically seen in full-time employment. By establishing a lower limit, Walmart can label many employees as part-time.
2. Avoiding Benefits and Protections
Classifying employees as part-time allows Walmart to skirt around providing essential benefits that are normally linked to full-time positions. By doing this, the company can avoid giving benefits such as:
- Health Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Retirement Benefits
This approach helps the company save on labor costs while still maintaining a workforce that can meet operational needs.
3. Increased Flexibility and Staffing Efficiency
By defining full-time employment at 32 hours, Walmart gains increased flexibility in scheduling and workforce management. This model permits the company to:
- Adjust employee hours based on demand
- Control workforce size effectively
- Avoid costs linked to full-time employment
Thus, Walmart can operate more efficiently while minimizing expenditure on employee benefits.