Sue Nelson says that a happy workforce can't be calibrated and it won't show up on a print-out (see [2008] Gazette, 15 May, 11).


Not so. An important measure of happiness in a law firm is the rate of staff turnover. It is not difficult to calculate this. High rates of staff turnover tend to reflect concerns about the firm's management. Low rates of turnover, on the other hand, usually indicate that members of the firm enjoy their work, which leads to increased profitability.



Law firm managers are increasingly focusing on staff turnover issues and the reasons for leaving given in exit interviews.



A senior associate or partner considering a move to a particular firm would do well to enquire about staff turnover - and to speak directly to those who have recently left the firm.



Ronnie Fox, Fox Solicitors, London