Traditional work culture was flipped on its head about five years ago. Some lawyers still cling to in-person client meetings and stacks of case files overflowing from drawers, but many others have made the shift to the virtual world. Today, more lawyers than ever are working remotely at least part of the time, striking a perfect balance between the two worlds.
Last year, we wrote about how the coveted hybrid work model is the secret to attracting top talent to your firm. Young people especially love the possibilities of a remote or hybrid job. But is remote work truly beneficial for you and your clients? Whether you resist it or love it, the facts are the facts. Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of remote work in the legal industry.
While we're on the topic, be sure to register for our upcoming course, "Return to Office (RTO) Mandates: Employment Issues for Employers to Consider" on Wednesday, February 12. As businesses navigate the complexities of transitioning back to in-person work environments, it is crucial for employers to understand the legal considerations surrounding Return to Office (RTO) mandates. This comprehensive course will equip you with the essential knowledge to confidently implement RTO policies while mitigating legal risks. See you there!
The Pros...
Flexibility. Remote work can offer varying levels of flexibility and allow you to create a personalized schedule that works for you. For example, if you know you get your best work done in the morning, you can get an early jump to align work with your productivity peak. If you have caregiving duties and need to take your kids to school, remote work can allow for that. Less rigid work hours can mean a better work-life balance too, something attorneys are known to struggle with.
Cost savings. With remote work, both the company and the individual will find themselves saving money! Less in-office days means less money spent on gas, utilities, and in-office perks such as all those K-cups! You might even save money on parking or your professional wardrobe. The company can reinvest these savings into new technology or cybersecurity measures while you spend the extra money however you like.
Who can complain about saving a little bit of money? In fact, you might make a little money, too! No commute means more billable hours. Take that time that would've been spent sitting in traffic and turn it into casework, client meetings, or even a spot of self-care.
Enhanced focus. This may vary from person to person, but many say they get more work done at home with no coworkers to distract them. At home, you're more in control of your space and can optimize it for comfort and concentration. At work, you can't always control the lighting, noise levels, or temperature. Of course, it all depends on your environment! Maybe you get more work done at the office because you have children and pets who want your attention at home. You might want to draw strict boundaries in which you literally leave work and work. In that case, it's not to have your options open!
The Cons...
Collaboration. As useful as Zoom is, face-to-face interactions go a long way in building rapport. Your clients might find comfort in holding in-person interactions with you. It's an opportunity to deepen the trust between you and reassure them that they are in good hands. The same goes for your coworkers. Remote work can slow down communication and hinder collaboration if you're not careful. It's harder to build a sense of community among employees or encourage mentorship. Some things are just too hard to foster virtually.
Feel like collaboration at your firm could use a little boost? Check out last week's blog post!
Client confidentiality. If your legal work is all going to be virtual, you need to ensure the sensitive information your client has trusted you with is protected. Use secure cloud-based legal software to manage important documents. Be sure all of your technology is up to date and steer clear of clicking on sketchy emails. Keep your firm educated on cybersecurity risks with regular training and make client confidentiality a top priority.
Blurred boundaries. While some might view remote work as an opportunity for improved work-life balance, others might witness the two blending together. When your home is your office, it might be tempting to constantly check your emails or squeeze in extra work. Be careful not to invite burnout! You can establish mental and physical boundaries between work and home life, even when fully remote. It could be as simple as a change of clothes to get you into a work or relaxation mindset. It's also a good idea to confine all work to a specific room you've chosen for your at-home office. When you step out of this room, work has officially ended for the day.
Don't let these work-life boundaries blur, for the sake of your mental state!
Like all things, remote work has its good and bad points! Some workers thrive in it, while others prefer the physical office setting. It all comes down to individual preference and company productivity. The key is finding a balance that allows attorneys to remain productive, secure, and connected to their colleagues and clients.
