Retail giant Walmart has found that offering hands-on training and digital tools significantly increases employee confidence and enthusiasm for artificial intelligence in the workplace. The company recently surveyed its 2.1 million associates for the first time regarding their experiences with AI technology, receiving more than 1.7 million responses.
Survey Shows High Enthusiasm Among Workers
Speaking at the 2026 CNBC Workforce Executive Council Summit in New York City, Walmart Chief People Officer for Associate Experience and Digital Maren Waggoner shared key findings from the survey with CNBC’s Leslie Picker. The data revealed that 77 percent of office-based staff expressed excitement about AI’s capacity to enhance their day-to-day work.
Additionally, 84 percent of Walmart’s U.S. frontline employees reported feeling confident when using digital tools, which Waggoner attributed to the AI-driven software integrated into their daily routines. She explained that the retail giant provides associates with training programs, official certificates, and practical tools to support their regular operations.
Impact of Partnerships with Tech Leaders
Over the past 13 months, Walmart has collaborated with tech firms Google and OpenAI to offer free learning modules and AI certification programs for its workforce. According to Waggoner, employees who completed the OpenAI training course reported a 27 percent increase in their confidence when operating AI systems.
These findings contrast with broader national sentiment regarding artificial intelligence. A Pew Research Center survey from August 2026 found that 52 percent of adults in the United States feel more concerned than excited about AI. Walmart’s internal data demonstrates that providing accessible tools and structured instruction helps overcome general anxiety toward emerging technology.
