What’s the role of business in society? And how can businesses respond to the demands from the wider public to be more active on social and environmental issues? That was the central theme of my speech to the Resolution Foundation, an independent think-tank focused on economic and social inequality. History tells us that business can and should play a role in society especially when it comes to the welfare of its workers and the communities they serve. The vision of our founder John Spedan Lewis recognised the importance of making business work for workers, where profits would go to everyone and not just a select few. He wanted his workers to have opportunities. He introduced health care for workers before the NHS existed, provided housing and set up democratic channels so that every Partner (employee) could have their say. Today we are strengthening the John Lewis Partnership’s role as a business for our times. Our Purpose is to work 'in Partnership for a happier world, happier people, happier business, happier world'. It is the reason we invest 20% more in our Partners, compared with other large retailers; why we put customer service, quality, value and sustainability at the heart of our offer to customers; and why we’re supporting young people experienced in the care system to find jobs at the Partnership. The strength of our brands John Lewis & Partners and Waitrose & Partners isn’t an accident of being a Partnership. It is because we are a Partnership. Our Partners go above and beyond. It’s their grit and determination that got us through the pandemic. 4,500 of our Partners at John Lewis opted to help out in Waitrose rather than go on furlough. We’re not perfect but we try hard. And we think our model offers something unique. Read or watch my full speech here: https://bit.ly/3p4JUaA #JLP #businessinsociety #sustainability
As a Partner that was made redundant, before this, I did work in Waitrose for a year during the pandemic. I just hope that the 20% your putting into Partners comes through, as I feel personally at the minute this is not the case. Having served 22 years in the business, it’s such a shame we never had a chance bespite a massive refurbishment. There is nothing like the Partnership, just don’t lose that.
Max Fernando
2y
Thank you for sharing Sharon, it was an insightful speech. I totally agree with the idea of "common sense capitalism". Indeed I think, and hope, that over the next few decades we will see a wholesale shift towards that model as society rejects organisations that fail to consider wider societal needs in their business model and organisational structure.
Hello Everyone, Name: Vishwas Kohli Country: India Connection With John Lewis since January 2020. Was associated with John Lewis as a vendor from India (Jaipur Rugs), have supplied numerous carpets. Now I have recently joined Kaleen Rugs in India as V.P Business Development and Planning and have been trying to reach out to John Lewis. Trying to get the breakthrough as a supplier and redefine my association with the brand. Even if I am not able to achieve it, I still wish the best to John Lewis as they are among the most professional group, I have worked with being a supplier / vendor. All The Best…!
Norma Pineda
2y
It's very sad to say as a long standing partner and the partnership I felt that the way the founder set up the business is disappearing and the word partnership is not there anymore am being honest and transparent am sorry to say this but this is the truth.
George Tuvey
2y
This was an inspiring speech Sharon White!
We do work to work together and look beyond our partnership to impact the communities we are part of. We look beyond me.
Sharon White actions speak louder than words. I suggest JLP can improve their ESG credentials by specifying no plastic for wrapping their own brand boxes of cutlery. What's the first thing you do with new cutlery? Wash it!
I wrote about you, Sharon, when you took on the role and suggested that you would save John Lewis. I was right about that - I went on to suggest you might like the top job at no 10. No 10 might be a step too far, but you never know.
Lorraine D.
2y
Customer services needs closely looking into. Definitely not what is was & is losing you customers.
Thank you for sharing. The important role of business as creators and sharers of wealth should never be underestimated. The continued success of business does require a tricky balance of meeting the needs of (past), present and future key relationships (customer, employee, suppliers, community, planet, etc.). A model can make this simple, but it is ultimately about the people in that model. Preserving the core, whilst stimulating progress is the perennial (and worthwhile) challenge for leadership and those that they serve. So, I thank you and applaud you for taking on the challenge and wish you (and your partners) a happy future as you execute and deliver your agenda of change.