Posted by: Scott Thompson
We recognise that law firms are notorious for working long, stressful hours and struggle to balance the incessant pulls of work and life. We also appreciate that health and wellbeing is multi-faceted and diverse; subjectively unique for each staff member. Rather than simply introduce band-aid initiatives such as gym memberships and fruit baskets, we incorporate the well being of staff into the heart of corporate strategy and culture through trust, honesty and fairness.
This strategy allowed the firm to focus in, instead of out, promoting stable, personal relationships between long standing employees and free up capital to invest in employees' professional and personal development, as opposed to expansion. Relaxed lawyer budgets, supplying daily healthy breakfasts, offering birthday leave, extended annual leave and work anniversary gifts of appreciation, have fostered a culture of kindness, respect and reduced stress. Directors also became more accessible to support staff during ever-changing life and career stages, creating a psychologically healthy and socially supportive workplace.
This culture shift became the catalyst for implementing a 100% paperless legal process and remote access
working environment, to provide the support and flexibility staff requested to
better meet the demands of modern family life or pursue further study, without
relinquishing meaningful roles or career advancement.
We are also pleased to announce the firm has recently become a signatory to the Tristan Jepson MF Psychological Wellbeing Best Practice Guidelines.
The Guidelines are intended to support lawyers, law firms and others working within the profession to raise awareness of mental health issues, and to understand the initiatives and methods of management that assist in the creation and maintenance of psychologically healthy and supportive workplaces.
To view the guidelines click here.
