In the Partnership we strive for a Happier World. Embracing diversity and fostering inclusion are not just ideas but re-enforced practices in our business.

Swati and Nequa spoke with us about their experience in the Partnership and the opportunities they have explored as a result of becoming a Partner.

Nequa’s Story

My Partner journey has been short and sweet. I joined Waitrose about 4-months ago after working for 8-years in another retailer. I joined as a Team Manager with a 12-week protected training programme to set me up for success!

I spent the first 6-weeks at the Wimbledon Hill store, and the latter half in Putney which is a larger shop. Once I completed my training I was then appointed to my permanent location in Waitrose Surbiton!

The Partnership’s D&I team identified the lack of ethnic, young and female voices in retail management and prior to my joining, already had a programme dedicated to finding out why, what the struggles and inhibitors can be, and most importantly to look toward changing that.

Other employers often have great intention in supporting their staff but can fall short in the execution. However, in the Partnership, it is embedded into the culture. They go above and beyond their legal obligations. I was stunned to learn about the long-leave that is offered to Partners after their 25th year of service.

The Partnership makes a real open investment into all its Partners. Not just at work, where it’s woven into the policies; but also in our day-to-day lives outside of work. When you look at the Partner Choice hub (our benefits website) and all the activities and clubs they offer (which as an avid crafter and DIY-er I was ecstatic to have others to share my passions with) it really feels like a community.

There are also a variety of support networks which offer a place for like minded people and allies to the causes. The Unity network is where I heard about the opportunity to share my Partner story and I jumped at the chance to give others who are thinking about joining the Partnership some insight.

Swati’s Story

Hello! My name is Swati, a Product Engineer in the Waitrose Digital team at John Lewis Partnership, specialising in quality. I started my journey in the Partnership with John Lewis 11-months ago. In my role, I focus on creating seamless and innovative digital experiences for our customers, while ensuring that we maintain the highest standards of quality.

What I appreciate most about working for the Partnership is the sense of ownership and purpose it brings. As a Partner, I am not just an employee; I am a co-owner of the business, which means my voice matters. This culture empowers me to innovate, take initiative, and feel deeply connected to the organisation’s success.

My journey at the John Lewis Partnership has only just begun, but the experiences I have had in these first few months have been nothing short of inspiring. I hope sharing my story encourages others to join such an organisation where innovation, collaboration and purpose come together to create something truly special.

At the John Lewis Partnership, we want all of our Partners (employees) to find their 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.