Walmart's "Double Point Days" EXPLAINED! 2025 Key Dates & Policy

Ever heard whispers in the breakroom about "double point days" at Walmart and felt a surge of panic? Forget everything you think you know about these so-called "double point days" because the truth is far simpler, and arguably, less terrifying. The widespread term is misleading, causing undue stress and confusion among associates who mistakenly believe various infractions automatically lead to doubled penalties. The reality is nuanced, and understanding the precise mechanics of Walmart's attendance policy is crucial for every employee.

The core of the misconception lies in the misinterpretation of "key event dates." If these days truly operated on a "double point" system, scenarios like half-point occurrences (e.g., tardiness) would logically be doubled as well, resulting in a full point penalty. However, this is not the case. The additional point only applies under specific circumstances, making the "double point day" moniker inaccurate and potentially anxiety-inducing for no reason. The point system at Walmart is designed to track attendance and punctuality, and while it might seem complex, understanding its intricacies can help you navigate potential absences and minimize negative impacts.

Topic Description
Walmart's Attendance Policy A system designed to track and manage employee attendance, using points to penalize absences and tardiness.
Key Event Dates Designated days, including holidays and store-specific events, where missing a shift results in an additional point.
Point Values
  • Full day absence: 1 point
  • Half day absence/tardiness: 0.5 points
  • No call/no show: 2 points
Protected Paid Time Off (PPTO) A form of paid time off that can be used to cover absences and avoid accruing points.
Key Dates to Remember
  • Walmart Investment Community Meeting 2025: March 6, 2025, 12:45 PM US/Central
  • Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference 2025: February
  • Memorial Day Sale 2025: May 26, 2025
  • Walmart Black Friday 2025: November 28, 2025
Resources
  • GTA Portal: Key day lookup on One Walmart
  • The Wire: Search "2 step authentication" to enroll in text/call authorization
Additional Notes
  • Walmart+ Week: A July sale event to compete with Amazon Prime Day
  • Fiscal Year Calendars: Available for download for Walmart US FYE 2026 (Jan. 2026) and FYE 2025 (Jan. 2025)

Let's delve into the specifics. The Walmart point system generally works as follows: if an associate calls out sick or misses a shift entirely, they accrue one point. Arriving late or leaving early, constituting less than half the scheduled shift, results in a deduction of 0.5 points. However, the real sting comes with a "no call, no show" failing to report the absence a minimum of 16 hours in advance which levies a hefty two-point penalty. The accumulation of points can lead to disciplinary action, so understanding the system and utilizing available resources is vital for maintaining good standing.

The misnomer of "double point days" stems from the existence of "key event dates." These dates, determined by a combination of corporate-designated holidays and individual store manager discretion, carry an additional consequence for absenteeism. However, the crucial distinction lies in the fact that it's not a doubling of all potential points. Instead, if an associate misses an entire shift on a key event date and fails to utilize sufficient Protected Paid Time Off (PPTO) to cover at least half of the missed time, they receive one additional point, bringing the total penalty to two points for the absence. It's a single additional point under very specific circumstances, not a blanket doubling of all potential penalties.

To further clarify, let's consider a scenario. Imagine an associate is scheduled to work on November 28, 2025 Walmart Black Friday, undoubtedly a key event date. If they call out sick and have enough PPTO to cover at least half of their scheduled shift, they will only accrue the standard one point for the absence. However, if they call out sick and either don't have enough PPTO or choose not to use it to cover at least half the shift, they will accrue two points: one for the absence itself and one additional point for missing a key event date without sufficient PPTO coverage. The key is the combination of factors: missing the shift, it being a key event date, and insufficient PPTO usage.

Navigating the Walmart attendance policy and understanding key event dates requires proactive engagement and awareness. Associates can access the Global Time and Attendance (GTA) portal on One Walmart to view a calendar of key event dates for their specific store. This allows for advance planning and informed decision-making when scheduling time off or managing potential absences. Furthermore, becoming familiar with the company's Protected Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy is crucial. PPTO allows associates to take paid time off for various reasons, including illness, family emergencies, or unexpected events, and, importantly, can be used to cover absences and mitigate point accrual.

The ability to utilize PPTO strategically is a significant advantage for Walmart associates. PPTO not only provides paid time off but also serves as a buffer against potential attendance points. By using PPTO to cover all or a portion of an absence, associates can reduce or eliminate the points associated with that absence. This is particularly valuable on key event dates, where the strategic use of PPTO can prevent the accrual of the additional point. Therefore, understanding the PPTO policy, knowing how to accrue PPTO, and planning its usage effectively are essential components of managing attendance and maintaining good standing with the company.

Let's address a common concern: what happens if an associate forgets to report their absence? In such cases, the situation becomes more precarious. Failing to report an absence, in addition to the absence itself, can result in a "no call, no show," which carries a significant penalty. Typically, a "no call, no show" results in two points, a much harsher consequence than a standard absence. However, even in this scenario, PPTO can still be a mitigating factor. While it's always best practice to report absences promptly, using PPTO to cover the missed shift, even after the fact, can potentially excuse the attendance points associated with both the absence and the failure to report it. It's crucial to consult with a supervisor or HR representative to understand the specific procedures and potential outcomes in such situations.

Beyond the point system and key event dates, Walmart offers various resources to support associates in managing their time off and attendance. These resources include detailed information on the company's attendance policy, instructions on how to request a leave of absence, and access to calendars outlining important dates and deadlines. Associates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these resources and to utilize them proactively. Furthermore, communication with supervisors and HR representatives is essential for addressing any questions or concerns related to attendance or time off. Open communication can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that associates are aware of their rights and responsibilities.

In addition to understanding the attendance policy and utilizing available resources, proactive planning is key to managing attendance effectively. This includes scheduling appointments and other commitments outside of work hours whenever possible, planning for potential illnesses or emergencies, and communicating any potential conflicts with supervisors in advance. By taking a proactive approach to attendance management, associates can minimize the likelihood of absences and avoid potential disciplinary action. Furthermore, maintaining a positive attitude and demonstrating a commitment to punctuality and reliability can contribute to a positive work environment and enhance professional relationships.

To further assist associates in staying informed, Walmart provides access to various calendars and schedules. These include the Walmart US calendar for the fiscal year 2026 (January 2026) and the fiscal year 2025 (January 2025), which can be downloaded for reference. These calendars provide a comprehensive overview of important dates and deadlines, including holidays, company events, and key retail periods. By utilizing these calendars, associates can plan their time off and manage their attendance more effectively. Furthermore, Walmart also provides access to weekly, monthly, and quarterly calendars, allowing associates to track their work schedules and manage their time on a more granular level.

One event that is noteworthy is Walmart+ Week, a promotional period in July designed to compete with Amazon Prime Day. While this event doesn't directly impact the attendance policy, it's important for associates to be aware of it, as it can lead to increased customer traffic and potentially longer work hours. Being prepared for these peak periods can help associates manage their time and attendance more effectively. Similarly, events like the Memorial Day sale (typically held around May 26th) and Walmart Black Friday (November 28th) are crucial for the company and often require increased staffing and extended hours. Understanding these key retail events can help associates anticipate potential scheduling changes and plan accordingly.

For associates struggling to access One Walmart due to text or call authorization issues, a workaround exists. While on the clock, associates can log in to the WIRE and search for "2 step authentication" to enroll and share their contact information. This can resolve login issues and ensure access to important information, including the GTA portal and key event date calendars. This demonstrates Walmart's commitment to providing associates with the tools and resources they need to manage their time and attendance effectively. The company understands that access to information is crucial for compliance and provides multiple avenues for associates to stay informed.

In conclusion, the term "double point days" is a misnomer that can lead to unnecessary anxiety and confusion among Walmart associates. The reality is that "key event dates" carry a single additional point for missing an entire shift without sufficient PPTO coverage. Understanding the intricacies of the Walmart attendance policy, utilizing available resources, and engaging in proactive planning are essential for managing attendance effectively and maintaining good standing with the company. By staying informed and taking responsibility for their attendance, associates can minimize the likelihood of accruing points and avoid potential disciplinary action. Remember, knowledge is power, and understanding the Walmart attendance policy is the key to navigating potential absences and managing your time effectively.

In addition to understanding the core concepts, it's beneficial to consider some specific scenarios. What happens if an associate clocks in or out 10 or more minutes early but works at least half the shift? In general, this will not result in any point accrual. The focus is on whether the associate fulfills at least half of their scheduled shift. Similarly, clocking in 10 or more minutes late, but still working at least half the shift, will typically only result in a 0.5 point penalty. However, consistently clocking in late, even by a few minutes, can be flagged by management and may lead to disciplinary action, even if it doesn't directly result in point accrual. Therefore, punctuality is always encouraged, even if it doesn't always translate directly into points.

Let's also address the issue of approved absences. If an absence is formally approved by management, such as for a medical appointment or a pre-arranged vacation, it will generally not result in any point accrual, regardless of whether it falls on a key event date. However, it's crucial to follow the proper procedures for requesting and obtaining approval for absences. This typically involves submitting a request in advance and providing any necessary documentation. Failure to follow the proper procedures, even for legitimate reasons, can still result in point accrual. Therefore, communication with supervisors and adherence to company policies are essential for ensuring that approved absences are properly documented and do not negatively impact attendance records.

Furthermore, Walmart is constantly evolving its policies and procedures. It's important to stay informed about any changes to the attendance policy or the point system. This can be achieved by regularly checking the WIRE, attending team meetings, and communicating with supervisors and HR representatives. Changes to the policy can occur due to various factors, including legal requirements, company initiatives, and feedback from associates. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for ensuring compliance and avoiding potential misunderstandings. Furthermore, providing feedback on the policy, when appropriate, can contribute to its ongoing improvement and ensure that it is fair and equitable for all associates.

Finally, let's emphasize the importance of professionalism and teamwork. While the attendance policy and the point system are important, they should not be the sole focus of an associate's work experience. Demonstrating professionalism, contributing to a positive work environment, and working effectively as part of a team are also crucial for success. By focusing on these aspects, associates can build strong relationships with their colleagues and supervisors, which can contribute to a more positive and supportive work environment. Furthermore, a positive attitude and a commitment to excellence can go a long way in mitigating any potential attendance issues and ensuring that associates are viewed as valuable members of the team.

Second quarter key event days: The dates are as follows: 1 2 9 16 23 30 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 4 11 18 25 3 10 17 24 8 15 22 29 6 13 20 27 13 20 27 11 18 25 9 16 23 30 8 15 22 29 14 21 28 12. Please note that there might be a typo in the event dates for this quarter, and it is supposed to be Friday 5/3/24 instead of 5/2/2

10/31/23 apparently there are no key event dates in august. Triple checked the original image and it goes straight from july to september.

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