It was of considerable interest to read two recent articles concerning the promotion of ‘wellbeing’ in the legal sector. Personal experience leads me to concur with Ian Gatt QC: I know of many highly talented individuals who, after years of insurmountable workloads, ceaseless pressure and absolute employer inflexibility, felt their only option was to exit the profession.

Current measures do not go far enough to tackle the underlying factors that result in work-related stress. I wonder if the ‘tone from the top’ is truly consistent with a decisive move away from the established, inflexible long-hours culture. Indeed, when founding Fletcher Day, it was of fundamental importance that flexible working be the keystone component of our ideology.

Work-life balance really need not be an intangible corporate buzz-phrase, but rather an essential consideration for any employer. Numerous psychological studies have demonstrated a clear correlation between a perceived lack of control and both stress and depression. Therefore, by empowering the employee with the freedom of genuine mastery over their working hours, both parties undeniably stand to benefit.

Jude Fletcher, senior partner, Fletcher Day, London WC2