Amid a red-hot labor market, Walmart last summer expanded its education program to cover full college tuition for associates, promising nearly $1 billion over five years. (Target swiftly unveiled a similar program.) Walmart hopes employees will pursue degrees in fields like cybersecurity and supply-chain management, then work in related roles for the chain. The retail giant is also giving more part-timers full-time jobs and has raised its average hourly wage to $16.40, though its minimum still lags behind competitors’.
A weekly newsletter featuring conversations with the world’s top CEOs, managers, and founders. Join the Leadership Brief
More Must-Reads from TIME
- How Donald Trump Won
- The Best Inventions of 2024
- Why Sleep Is the Key to Living Longer
- Robert Zemeckis Just Wants to Move You
- How to Break 8 Toxic Communication Habits
- Nicola Coughlan Bet on Herself—And Won
- Why Vinegar Is So Good for You
- Meet TIME's Newest Class of Next Generation Leaders