Why Are Most Walmart Employees Cigarette Smokers?

This observation is strictly based on personal experience, as it proves too tedious to compile verifiable facts to support the claim. It's a common belief in society that smoking rates are higher among the financially disadvantaged, and it appears that more people working at Walmart fit into this category.

Walmart, in itself, is a unique subculture within American society. The corporation has a distinct identity that transcends geographical boundaries, making each store feel the same, no matter where you are located.

This uniformity isn't just limited to the products available for sale, but also extends to the behavior, appearance, and choices of the people working there. A simple search on YouTube for Wal-Mart people illustrates the consistencies and patterns of behavior and appearance among Walmart employees and customers across the country. The presence of smoking among these workers is one of several shared traits.

Habits and Social Dynamics

One might wonder why smoking is such a common habit among Walmart employees. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, including environmental, socio-economic, and cultural influences.

1. Socio-economic Conditions: Workers at Walmart, like many other retail establishments, often come from lower-income backgrounds. Financial stress and limited access to healthcare services are known to contribute to unhealthy habits, such as smoking. These individuals may use smoking as a way to cope with their daily struggles.

2. Cultural Norms: The unique environment of Walmart, often described as a subculture in itself, can lead to the normalization of certain behaviors, including smoking. The uniformity and routine nature of the workplace may foster a sense of identity and camaraderie, which can contribute to shared habits and routines, such as taking regular smoking breaks.

3. Physical Environment: Relief stations, rest areas, and designated smoking areas within Walmart stores provide physical spaces where employees can indulge in their habits. This accessibility and regularity of these spaces may reinforce the smoking behavior as a normal, daily occurrence.

The Walmart Subculture

Being part of this subculture is more than just observing the uniformity in behavior and appearance. It involves understanding the shared values, beliefs, and attitudes that shape the experiences of Walmart employees and customers.

1. Consistency: No matter where you go, the experience at a Walmart remains consistent. Whether you are in Miami, Seattle, or Bangor, Maine, the atmosphere, interactions, and sense of community are remarkably similar. This sameness can be both a strength and a limitation, as it fosters a strong sense of identity among employees and customers.

2. Shared Beliefs: The belief that smoking is a common, accepted practice among Walmart employees is engrained in the subculture. This shared belief can influence behavior and create a positive reinforcement loop, where individuals feel encouraged to continue or initiate smoking habits due to the prevalence of these behaviors within the workforce.

3. Routine and Rhythm: The routine that defines the retail sector, with its structured shifts and dependable schedule, can contribute to the normalization of smoking as a component of this daily rhythm. Many employees might use breaks or designated areas for smoking to take a moment for themselves during a long and demanding workday.

Conclusion

The prevalence of cigarette smoking among Walmart employees is a symptom of a broader, complex interaction of socio-economic factors, cultural norms, and workplace dynamics. Understanding this phenomenon involves recognizing the unique subculture that Walmart represents and the shared experiences that shape the lives of its employees and customers.

While it is important to approach these observations with a critical lens and not generalize, personal reflections and cultural insights offer valuable perspectives on the diverse and multi-faceted nature of retail work and its impacts on employee health and wellbeing.