Trust an HR person, risible. Rather, trust that the snake will be a snake.
The following is a link to the Arkansas Code regarding reference checks, § 11-3-204 - Providing references to prospective employers:
https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/2010/title-11/chapter-3/subchapter-2/11-3-204/
I recently left the HO voluntarily. I gave 3 days notice, citing that I felt no loyalties to the company given their recent treatment of the workforce to give more notice. I set up my own exit interview on my last day at 8 am - was out by 8:30 am. No matter how much PTO time you have, they will only pay out 5 days. Remember that PTO time is technically accrued through-out the year, so if you leave before year end (ex: October) with only 5 days left, you technically haven’t earned those and therefore will not be paid out. Also, connect with your HR rep once you have an offer and ask if your resignation could serve as “voluntary severance” (basically taking someone’s place in a planned RIF if one is scheduled for your cost center.) I asked this and was told (by an HR person I trust) that this was not an option for me due to no planned RIF’s in my department for the remaining of the year. Don’t burn bridges on purpose, but remember that Wal-Mart can only verify employment status and employment dates when listed on your resume. Unless you list a Walmart person as a personal reference on an application, Walmart cannot speak to your job performance - only if you are eligible for re-hire. As someone who took a pay cut to find more work/life balance and decent treatment, there is so much less stress on the outside! Work on your exit strategy now.
@ 2wpc, good advice and would add to that, do not tell them where you are going regardless. Whether you leave on your own terms, or are laid off, many departments try to poison the well for your future opportunities. They seem to want to use people up, discard them and make sure you'll never work again. In some cases it's because they do not want you out there being able to talk about your Walmart experience. Be very careful, these people are not your friends.
Another thing. If you are in merchandising, I advise NOT telling Walmart where you are going. Let them find out after you start.
Allegedly they are trying to block people from going to suppliers because the turnover in merchandising has been so extreme.
I got walked out right to the revolving door, and I definitely was not stealing or any other such offense. You lose your health insurance after your last day and you are only reimbursed for 5 pto days, assuming you've accrued them already. I'd advise not giving notice until you have the other offer in hand.
I left a HO job earlier this year. The comments below about when you're "walked out" are correct--it is typically only if you are going to a competitor.
In any case, you should have your ducks in a row before giving notice. I had already taken home my personal items before giving my notice. I provided two weeks' notice and was allowed to serve out the two weeks.
You will have an exit interview on your last day. HR will ask you a few questions about why you're leaving, confirm your forwarding address for COBRA and 401k matters, and they will take your badge and company credit card. It was really a non-event.
I don’t know why a company would walk you out, unless someone was stealing.
Otherwise it’s stupid.
All you need is a two weeks notice.
I worked for the HO. I gave my two week notice on August 28th. I was allowed to work my last 2 weeks. I had my 'ducks in a row' and started my new job on Sept 11.
Generally you are only escorted off the premises if you're going to work for a competitor. Most that I've seen leave this way have their ducks in a row before they hand in their resignation.
How far in advance if you want a “reference” or if you wanted to be re-hireable few years in the future?
No, only if you want a reference.
You get all of your PTO.
You get PTO and that’s it.
When I left I only received check for 5 days even though had 17 days left. My loss.
I’m wondering as well... are you excourted out right away? Is there a minimum notice you need to give ?? I’m talking about for corporate. If someone is escourted out right away, do they get the rest of two weeks pay plus the up to 5 pto?