Firm adapts lifestyle
City firm Eversheds has launched a new flexible working scheme in an attempt to attract and retain young talent, despite rumblings of discontent from some partners.
The programme, called Lifestyle, was introduced last week after 18 months of research into why the firm had such a high turnover of staff revealed that the new generation of lawyers wanted more private time away from the workplace.
The scheme, available to partners and staff at all levels, includes reduced hours, part-time and shift work, working from home and a career-break option of up to five years - but selling the innovation firm-wide has proved tricky.
Eversheds' human resources director Caroline Wilson said: 'We have been trying to get everyone to buy into the idea, but I would be kidding myself if I said everyone is 100% behind it.
However, we are a million miles further down the road towards it being accepted than we were at the outset.'
Ms Wilson said that female partners were harder to convince of the scheme's merits than their male counterparts due to the 'I had to work this hard to get here' attitude.
However, she added the scheme is now close to being accepted throughout the practice and has 'attracted interest across the firm'.
'Young people want an exciting and satisfying job, but also want a lot of space and time to themselves,' she said.
'We must be forward thinking as a firm and listen to their needs, as they are the future partners that we need for a long-term sustainable future.'
Eversheds is now focusing its efforts on examining cultural diversity within the firm.
Andrew Towler
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