A dad explains how he enjoys the family benefits of working at the John Lewis Partnership

Roland Madeley, 35 (pictured above), has a four-year-old son with another due in February next year. He works as a Data Management Analyst as part of the Strategy function at the John Lewis Partnership. We asked him about flexible working life at John Lewis and his next paternity leave.

How does John Lewis allow you to work flexibly?

Since Covid hit, I’ve been working from home (WFH) and during this time I bought a stunning red cedar garden office which is my office and games room (when I get time). I’ve been into the office (both London and Bracknell) only five times in the last 18 months, more for socials and events than work. This really helps as I have no pressure to be in the office and I can do 100% of my job from home. This spans both my previous job as a Risk & Compliance Performance Analyst and my current role which I started in August 2021. My son started primary school at reception this year and I’m on drop-off and pick-up duty. As I am working from home this suits, as I flex my hours from 9-6 around the school run and still get that all-important lunch hour for exercise (or the obligatory jobs when WFH).

Were you nervous asking for flexible working?

Honestly, the thought did not even cross my mind, adjusting my hours was a given, in both jobs with both managers. Of course, I still talked to my manager to agree on terms which was a very easy conversation with suggestions from both sides. This relationship is one of the most important relationships you will have in your work life, so I go out of my way to make it an open, honest and friendly one.

You are just about to go on paternity, how was wrangling that with your line manager and what are your plans?

What an amazing benefit, as a father to my second boy, I get 14 weeks full pay and an optional extra 16 weeks half pay! I opted for the 14 weeks full pay and decided this as I was going for the interview for the job I currently hold. I was open with my interviewers and told them my plans and still got the job, this shows the commitment that the Partnership has to this benefit. I was always at ease with this as the executive team talked about promoting this benefit and ask questions if the Partner did not plan to take the full paid time off.

Wrangling? No! Excited and easy are the words I would use to describe the discussion, bearing in mind my manager was one of the interviewers so knew my plan. They prompted and gave me advice on how and when to start applying. Easy-peasy!

What do you think companies get wrong with their family-friendly policies?

I can imagine and will only speculate that being a parent must be hard in other companies. For any parents out there, you know how hard it is to become one, you need your work to support, not fight you. I feel like the John Lewis Partnership supports me as much as I want and it’s why I’ve been a Partner for 12 years! A big shout out to the Working Parents Network in the Partnership, it’s so refreshing to share my experiences with like-minded parents and talk about core subjects and struggles.

How do you see your career at John Lewis moving forwards?

Fruitful and fulfilling. I aim to progress and have already shown that being a parent in the Partnership does not hold me back.

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• paternity leave flexible working equality paternity rights