LONDON (Within The Law) - Anyone who has been remote working this year has come to know and loathe Zoom. The video conferencing sector has kept Britain working in 2020 but it has also meant many of us have played out the year on cam. Now top law firm Backer McKenzie is asking its staff to keep Wednesdays Zoom free.
The initiative, dubbed wellbeing Wednesday aims to free up time for their employees during the week. They will also send out an email each Wednesday with mental health and wellbeing guidance.
The new measure comes after signs that the work from home model is beginning to crack. Earlier in the pandemic law firms were pleasantly surprised at how well things went. However, a recent study found that three out of four junior lawyers were suffering from feelings of isolation and a lack of motivation.
The move is a recognition of the specific challenges the pandemic has created. Both companies and individuals have faced a number of strains during the lockdown. While from a logistics point of view remote working has been more successful than most expected, psychologically it is difficult to come.
Baker also signalled that it is still treading with caution. A pause on non-essential hires has been extended as have reviews on staff pay. However, it did say solicitors could still expect bonuses this year.
Speaking to Legal Cheek Managing Partner Alex Chadwick said: “While we have navigated the uncertain economic environment well so far and have continued to deliver the highest standards of client service, we don’t yet know what 2021 will bring.”
(Written by Tom Cropper, Edited by Klaudia Fior)