John Lewis Partnership has told central office employees they are expected to spend more of the working week in person, signalling a firmer approach to hybrid working as pressure mounts to improve performance.
In an internal memo, the partnership said staff should be working "more in person than not"—either in the office, with suppliers, or visiting customers and stores. The message applies particularly to head office functions such as HR and finance.
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The group said increased in-person working would support better collaboration, faster decision-making and stronger business performance.
The move follows a difficult financial year for John Lewis Partnership, which reported a £21 million pre-tax loss for the year ended 31 January 2026, compared with a £97 million profit the previous year. Management said results were impacted by £120 million of exceptional charges, largely linked to legacy technology write-downs.
A spokesperson stressed that the company remains committed to hybrid working and that there has been no formal policy change. However, central teams are now being encouraged to increase time spent face-to-face.
The retailer is also reviewing workspace capacity, including the possibility of adding desks within underused space at Waitrose headquarters in Bracknell.
The shift marks a notable evolution from the company's post-pandemic "blended working" stance. In 2023, John Lewis reduced the size of its London headquarters as more employees worked remotely. The decision mirrors a broader trend across UK retail. Boots required head office staff back five days a week in 2024, while Morrisons ended homeworking for support staff last year. Marks & Spencer currently expects support teams in the office three days a week.
Source: www.retailgazette.co.uk
