Walmart CEO Doug McMillon: Our employees feel safe

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon tells employees thank you.

Video Transcript

DOUG MCMILLON: I think the steps that they are taking and that we've taken as a company have helped-- social distancing, wearing facial coverings, using plexiglass, washing hands, all those things. It's a combination of things that have to be done to keep people safe, and our associates have done a great job in that respect. And when I'm visiting stores and clubs and distribution centers during this period of time, I'm basically doing maybe just two things.

One is thank you. They're being so courageous, so dedicated-- really do have a heart to serve other people. Those that needed to take leave because they may have a preexisting condition or need to take care of their family, the company has leave policies that enable people to do that. So quite a few of our folks have gone out on leave, but the vast majority of them are coming to work and making it happen.

We've also hired quite a few people during the course of the year globally. The last number we shared publicly is that we've hired over 1/2 million people, vast majority of those being in the United States, to help offset the demand pressure that we're feeling and take the place of those Walmart associates that have gone out on leave. So the first thing I'm doing is saying thank you.

And then the second thing is asking what do you need. You know, what more can we do to help keep you safe, help keep customers safe, and serve them effectively? And the number one answer I'm getting back right now is help us with in stock. [LAUGHTER] We need more inventory, back to your original question. But as it relates to safety, people feel like we've done everything we can think of to do at this moment. Now we'll keep learning, and if there's something more we can do to help keep people safe, we'll do it.