- Marjorie van Elven
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The 14,000 people working at Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville,
Arkansas, are soon to get a new home office. The American retailer has
unveiled plans for a new campus, to be opened in phases between 2020 and
2024.
Walmart said in a statement that the new space was designed with the
needs of the workers and the community in mind, which is why it will
feature ample natural light, expanded food offerings, a fitness center and
a child care facility. “Our associates want to work in an office
environment that makes them better every day”, the company said.
But the campus isn’t only intended to please existing workers. The idea
is to attract new talent thanks to “state-of-the-art technology and
contemporary conveniences”. Sustainability efforts may also help to attract
the future generation of professionals: buildings will feature regionally
sourced materials, solar panels and energy-efficient lighting. In addition,
Walmart says the new campus will have “thousands” of trees, shrubs and
grasses to provide habitat for wildlife and bike trails for the
associates.
Demolition, infrastructure and utility construction is set to begin this
summer, with support and office buildings to be constructed over the next
18-24 months.
Pictures: courtesy of Walmart
