Walmart to give smartphones to 740K workers

Walmart announced that it will give 740,000 of its employees smartphones as part of a new app initiative. 

The company issued a statement on Thursday unveiling a new app called “Me@Walmart,” which provides employees a service to complete daily tasks, tend to customers and plan for life outside of work.

The retail giant said it would gift the employees new Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro smartphones. Employees can use their new phones and apps while on the clock and for their own personal use, according to the company.

Walmart said it tested the new smartphones earlier this year and received a positive response.

“Constant communication is essential for our business. Walkie talkies were one solution, but not every associate has one. Push to talk enables associates to instantly connect with one another, helping them work as a team to stay nimble and react to customers’ needs,” Walmart executives Drew Holler and Kellie Romack said.

Walmart said it plans to add more features to the new app as well.