Firms add to perks

Top law firms are diversifying the range of perks and benefits they offer to staff, with yoga classes and massages joining the more traditional pension plans and health insurance, according to Gazette research.The survey, to which half of the top 30 firms replied, showed that all respondent firms offered private healthcare, a pension scheme and a season ticket loan, and almost all (92%) have either an in-house gym or corporate gym membership.Health appeared to be the priority, with 39% of firms offering on-site GPs, 24% well woman/man clinics, 15% dentists and 10% physiotherapists.

Firms have taken on board rising levels of stress, and three quarters offer counselling, slightly fewer than half (46%) have masseurs available and 39% offer yoga or alternative stress therapies.The majority (83%) also offer additional paternity and maternity leave, while the dress-down policy still holds some sway, with 83% of firms offering it as either a permanent, weekly or monthly option.

Among the more specialised benefits on offer are corporate membership of the Disney Club and reflexology from City firm Lovells, and a concierge service from DLA which, according to the firms head of human resources Robert Halton, will provide anything as long as its legal.Meanwhile, smaller London firm Teacher Stern Selby has appointed lifestyle professionals to support staff and help individuals realise their full potential and combat theill-effects of stress and pressure.One-to-one sessions include art therapy, feng shui, acupressure chair massage, and lessons in relaxation and breathing techniques.See Feature, page 34Victoria MacCallum