The retail big insists its dedication to the blended method is unchanged, – it is seemingly eager to get a few of its employees again on the coal face.
John Lewis signal. (Picture: Getty)
Employees at John Lewis’ head workplace have been informed they should spend extra of the working week on website. Working from residence and hybrid working have been adopted in sectors throughout the financial system for the reason that Covid pandemic broke out in 2020.
And although the lockdowns are fortunately now a distant reminiscence, employers and employees ready to take action have continued to embrace the advantages of working from residence (typically abbreviated to WFH). John Lewis is amongst main employers who made daring bets on the financial savings working might deliver, halving the dimensions of its head workplace in central London in 2023. However whereas the retail big insists its dedication to the blended method is unchanged, it is seemingly eager to get a few of its employees again on the coal face.
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Topshop returns to excessive streets in John Lewis partnership
In a memo despatched to central workplace groups seen by The Telegraph, John Lewis Companions mentioned: “Many organisations have seen enhancements in collaboration and tradition alongside improved enterprise efficiency on account of a hybrid mannequin – one that enables for extra time in particular person whereas nonetheless having fun with the advantages of working time at residence too.”
Nevertheless it reportedly added that groups together with HR and their finance departments ought to spend extra of their working week “collaborating nose to nose with [their] crew and others [they] work alongside”.
This might be both within the workplace or with suppliers, or touching base with prospects and retailers, they have been informed.
John Lewis Partnership mentioned the shift in method will assist enhance collaboration, pace up decision-making, in addition to enhance enterprise efficiency.
It comes because the group, which additionally owns Waitrose, took a monetary hit because it invests in modernising its legacy programs.
The group noticed a £21m loss earlier than tax for the yr to 31 January 2026, having posted £97m revenue for the earlier yr.
Nonetheless, it mentioned the losses embody “distinctive fees of £120m (2024/25: £29m)” that have been “primarily” associated to “write downs of legacy programs, as we modernise know-how to drive future progress”.
A John Lewis spokesperson informed the newspaper that their coverage on hybrid working hasn’t modified, and are dedicated to supporting flexibility for its employees.
“To drive collaboration, sooner decision-making and creativity, our purpose is for central groups to be within the workplace, with suppliers and visiting retailers greater than they’re at residence, so we’re working with them to make this occur,” they added.
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