Imagine being more than just an employee – having a personal stake in the success of the company you work for. That’s the incredible thing about employee ownership. It’s a way of working that flips the conventional workplace script, creating a culture where everyone pulls together because the success of the business truly benefits everyone.

There are over 74,000 people who work at the John Lewis Partnership and they are all co-owners of our business. Together we operate as the largest employee-owned business in the UK, a shining example of what can happen when people come together to build something extraordinary.

Our founder, John Spedan Lewis, believed in “industrial democracy”, and a fairer way of doing business, where employees shared knowledge, power and profit. These are still the solid principles that guide our employee-owned business model more than 100 years since we were formed.

What is an employee ownership trust?

At the heart of employee ownership is an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Think of it as a safety net of shared success. An EOT is a structure where a trust owns a big part—or all—of the company on behalf of the employees.

This means you don’t have to worry about managing shares individually. Instead, the trust ensures that all Partners benefit as the company grows. It’s about creating long-term stability and fostering a sense of shared purpose. It’s business with a heart, where everyone in the team wins together.

What are the benefits of joining an employee-owned business?

Working for an employee-owned business isn’t just about clocking in and out. It’s about being part of something bigger and reaping the rewards of collective success.

John Spedan Lewis had an extraordinary vision for how his business could make a difference – both to the lives of his workers and the wider community. He knew the best way to do this was to give power to his staff and make them more than employees.

Much may have changed since 1918, but our Partnership still places the utmost importance on the happiness and prosperity of our Partners, customers and the wider world.

Here are the key benefits that set apart JLP’s business model, making it a happier place to work:

• Share in the wins: When the business thrives, so do you. Profits made by our business are invested back into our Partner’s salaries and other benefits like pensions and self-development.
• Feel Connected: Knowing you have a stake in the business will ignite your motivation and passion for what you do. Together we can shape the future success of the Partnership.
• Have a Voice: The John Lewis Partnership operates on democratic principles, with inclusive decision-making for all areas of the business, so your ideas and opinion matters.
• Greater Security: Decisions are made with a focus on our Partners wellbeing and with long term success in mind.
• Make a difference: Our Partnership seeks to make the world a happier place in any way we can. We take responsibility for our impact on the planet and champion the charitable work of our Partners, helping to improve lives for both local and global communities.

Democracy For All at the John Lewis Partnership

Democracy is essential to the day to day running and future vision of the John Lewis Partnership. This means that all of our Partners can have their say on key decisions and help steer the ship.

The business still operates under a unique constitution set out by our founder, which guides how we share knowledge, power, and profit.

This is achieved through our three governing authorities – the Partnership Council, the Chairman and the Partnership Board.

Over 600 Partners from across the business are democratically elected to have a voice across our Forums, at our Council and on our Board. Together they have the opportunity to shape how the company is run, offer support and challenge to leadership when necessary and make sure we stay true to our values.

Ever wish you had a platform to share your thoughts at work? At JLP, the Gazette is an internal publication which reports on the business, and is where Partners can be free to speak their minds.

This weekly in-house magazine is circulated both in print and online. It sets its own editorial agenda and has a unique, independent role to ensure knowledge is shared through journalism, about the business to all Partners.

It is a place for open conversations, sharing ideas and engaging with the Partnership’s direction, serving as a reminder that every voice counts.

This level of transparency and communication is a big reason why the Gazette was written into our constitution and has since become the UK’s longest-standing internal publication, which has never changed its name since launch.

Discover more about becoming a Partner

When you become a Partner at the John Lewis Partnership, you’re more than an employee. You’re joining a team where your contribution directly impacts our success. It’s a place that values shared responsibility and puts people at the heart of everything it does.

If you’re looking for a career that offers a sense of belonging, personal development, and the chance to be part of something truly meaningful, this is the place for you.

Ready to explore what being a Partner is all about? Read more about our Partnership, discover our Partner stories or browse our latest job vacancies.