#UnexpectedGuest | John Lewis' 2021 Xmas ad holds key HR teachings - can you spot them?

It may only be the very beginning of November but one of the UK’s unofficial markers of the beginning of Christmas season has been released: the #johnlewisadvert. 

Whilst previous years featured Excitable Edgar, Sir Elton John and a charitable campaign, this year focuses on an extraterrestrial young girl who crashes into earth, in the middle of the festive season, to find companionship and kindness from a boy who sets out to help and befriend her. 

For some, the advert will be a hallmark of the beginning of the festive period, for others it’s a reminder – as John Lewis intend – to start Christmas shopping. 

In fact, it’s been reported that the advert has been released earlier this year with searches for Christmas products on the John Lewis website much higher at an earlier time as shoppers attempt to circumvent supply chain issues.