Walmart CEO McMillon Says AI Will Change Every Job, Plans Flat Global Headcount

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon has emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) will transform virtually every job, not only within Walmart but across the global workforce. He highlighted that while some jobs and tasks may be eliminated due to AI, new roles will also be created, and the company plans to keep its global workforce stable at around 2.1 million employees over the next three years by evolving job functions and offering AI training. McMillon expects white-collar positions to be affected first, with AI-powered chatbots and tools taking on customer service and supply chain tasks, and eventually AI will impact store and warehouse roles as well. Walmart's strategic adoption of AI echoes its past innovations in retail productivity, and the company aims to leverage AI to enhance efficiency while maintaining human roles, particularly in customer-facing positions. McMillon advises workers to proactively adapt by learning AI tools to stay relevant, describing the need to get "plussed up" to enhance productivity with AI. This approach reflects broader trends among major corporations integrating AI to reshape workforces and drive growth.