Embrace Flexibility


'Practices will have to embrace remote technologies to give future workers the lives they want' (see [2007] Gazette, 22 March, 15), but why is the profession so slow to embrace change?



The firm that offers its lawyers genuinely flexible working will steal the march on those that are not prepared to embrace change. All the technology needed to enable lawyers to work flexibly is readily available and affordable. So what is holding the profession back?



We are, it seems, increasingly profit driven. Money is seen as the way of attracting and retaining talented people. Salaries offered by our major firms rise inexorably at multiples of the retail price index.



But they are then expected to not see daylight during long winter weeks, to fight through traffic or crowded commuter services to be present during traditional working hours, to start early and finish late. Presenteeism may look good superficially, but it is no substitute for effectiveness.



There is an alternative, and we do not have to wait until 2016. By embracing flexibility, it is possible to give our lawyers quality in work and quality in life - and the firm attracts and retains committed, motivated and satisfied lawyers. It is a classic 'win/win' situation.



Nicholas Moore, Wellington, Somerset