Target Implements Points System for Employee Attendance Tracking

Target will implement a new points system starting this September to track unexcused absences and lateness among its store and warehouse employees, as reported by Business Insider. Under this policy, employees will accrue points for tardiness and missed shifts. Specifically, being more than eight minutes late will result in a quarter of a point, missing a shift without manager approval will earn one point, and failing to show up without prior notification will incur three points. These accumulated points will reset annually. Employees reaching three points will be required to meet with their manager, while those who accumulate 12 points will face termination.

This initiative follows a period of financial challenges for the retail giant, with CEO Michael Fiddelke, who took leadership earlier this year, overseeing declining comparable sales for the fourth consecutive quarter. The attendance tracker is part of Fiddelke's broader strategy to revitalize Target's stores and improve customer trust. Fiddelke stated in an interview with The Associated Press that the company is not satisfied with recent performance and is focused on returning to growth, with enhancing the customer experience being a primary strategic objective. Target spokesperson Brian Harper-Tibaldo reiterated this focus on enabling the team to deliver a superior guest experience.

Target is not alone in adopting such attendance tracking measures. Walmart has reportedly utilized a similar five-point attendance policy since 2019. In Walmart's system, points are assigned based on the severity of the infraction, with clocking in late being a less serious offense than a no-show. Points in Walmart's policy are managed on a rolling six-month basis, meaning employees start with zero points every half-year. Absences covered by approved leave or other excused reasons do not result in point accumulation. Walmart has not provided comment on this matter.