In the Partnership, we strive for a happier world. With various support networks available to Partners, we’re driven to create an environment where neurodiverse Partners can flourish in their careers as well as giving them the tools to progress further.

Matilda and Tara wanted to share their experiences of working in the Partnership and the support they’ve received.

Matilda’s Story

Hello my name is Matilda and I am a Product & Selling Specialist in John Lewis Oxford and I am neurodiverse. I was diagnosed from a very young age but I believe that everyone will have a little bit of all 4 types of neurodiversity which are: dyslexia, autism, adhd and dyspraxia.

I see these 4 types of neurodiversity as learning difficulties rather than disabilities. I have been in the Partnership for 8-years and I believe that the Partnership has been the only place where I have truly felt supported in the workplace.

I started as a Supermarket Assistant in the Waitrose Cafe on Botley Road in Oxford and have progressed to amy current role. It has not been easy but if you are determined, ambitious and are driven to succeed, you will! And with the support of your team and your People Manager, the sky’s the limit.

As a neurodiverse person, I know it can be tough to move up in your career, especially when interviews are a struggle. I’ve been there. Instead of only asking your manager for advice, try reaching out to the hiring managers directly after your interviews. They can give you feedback to help you improve and nail it next time.

Tara’s Story

Hello My name is Tara. Did you know we have a dedicated team to support Partners in work?

In 2022 I was a Team Manager for Partner Operations in a Waitrose Branch. During this time I worked with our Personnel Policy & Advice (PPA) Specialists to support one of my Partner’s who was struggling with their neurodiversity at work. The Partner gained funding through Access to Work and this funding provided the support they needed and one-to-one coaching for their challenges.

With the Partner’s hard work and commitment, this helped them to consistently attend work, they gained confidence, they were happier in themselves and in the tasks and roles they performed in the branch. There were really positive benefits for their home life as well.

Alongside this support form PPA, I was also put in touch with our Health and Wellbeing Team; this team gave myself and my Partner amazing support over this period. I cannot sing their praises enough.

The support from the Health and Wellbeing team also meant that the Partner had access to another reliable resource; specialists who were able to advise and support them at the end of a phone line and at some points when it was necessary face-to-face in branch.

These resources are an amazing commitment by the Partnership to champion our diversity and inclusion goals and makes me extremely proud to work here.

At the John Lewis Partnership, we want all of our Partners (employees) to find happier ways of working. Find out more about our commitment to our Partners, their careers and the incredible benefits of being a Partner in the Partnership by exploring the rest of our careers website.