The legal profession is under pressure. UK lawyers want remote work and even reduced hours, according to a study from Thomson Reuters.
The research found that a total of 86% of UK lawyers would like to change the way they work in the future, compared to the global average of 77%, and on average they would prefer to work remotely at least two days a week.
This reflects a broader trend across the workforce, with employees increasingly seeking greater flexibility in where and how they work. For law firms, this means re-thinking the traditional 9-5 working day and embracing new technologies that make remote working possible. It also means being prepared to offer more flexible working arrangements, such as part-time or job-share opportunities.
In fact, UK law firms that offer flexible working programs are increasingly viewed as more attractive employers. In the UK, 82% of job seekers would be more likely to apply for a role with a flexible working policy than they were five years ago – more than any other market worldwide – and 56% would or probably change jobs if the firm they applied to offer flexible working options.
The legal profession needs to keep pace with this changing landscape.
UK firms that invest in technology and offer more flexible working arrangements will be better placed to compete both locally and nationally.
The State of the UK Legal Market 2021 created a report based on interviews with 250 senior corporate counsel and 156 senior lawyers. The survey revealed that 74% of senior UK partners believe their firms should be investing more in technology.
We understand there to be 4 key benefits for law firms to move towards a remote working environment.
- A better work-life balance, no more late nights at the office.
- A more positive impact on your mental health.
- Reduced staff turnover.
- Your law firm is more appealing from a recruitment perspective.
Statistics Source – Thomson Reuters and State of the UK Legal Market 2021 report
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