John Lewis asks office staff to increase in-person attendance

John Lewis has reportedly instructed head office staff to spend more time working in person to keep pace with competitors that have reduced remote working, according to the Telegraph.

The retailer expects employees to be in the office or visiting suppliers and customers more often than they work from home to accelerate its turnaround.

According to the outlet, managers informed central teams, including finance and HR, that the move would improve business performance. 

The company currently seeks to create more office space and also add desks to unused areas at the Waitrose headquarters in Bracknell. 

This follows a trend where rivals have already implemented stricter office attendance policies, the Telegraph understands. 

Boots required staff to return five days a week in 2024. Morrisons ended remote working for head office staff last year, while Marks and Spencer requires three days.

John Lewis previously reduced its London office space by 50% in 2023. This occurred after thousands of staff members continued to work from home following the pandemic.

The partnership, which includes Waitrose, reported a £21m loss last year. This followed a pre-tax profit of £97m recorded during the previous 12-month period.

An internal memo said: “Many organisations have noticed improvements in collaboration and culture alongside improved business performance as a result of a hybrid model – one that allows for more time in person while still enjoying the benefits of working time at home too.”

A spokesman for John Lewis told the Retail Sector: “While some in our industry are returning to the office full time, our policy hasn’t changed, and we are committed to the flexibility that comes with a hybrid approach.

“To drive collaboration, faster decision-making and creativity, our goal is for central teams to be in the office, with suppliers and visiting shops more than they are at home, so we are working with them to make this happen.”