Not long ago, the workday was fairly predictable. You arrived at the office at 8:00 or 9:00am sharp, worked through a set schedule, took a lunch break (hopefully), and powered through until it was time to clock out. Then came March 2020 and everything was flipped on its head. But the pandemic didn't just alter where we work...it also forced us to rethink how we work. As remote and hybrid models took hold, professionals across industries began experimenting with flexible schedules and new routines (such as the 4-day workweek!), questioning long-standing norms, and asking one simple question: Is there a better way to structure the workday?
One emerging answer is a trend known as microshifting, a flexible approach to work that's gaining traction among professionals looking to improve focus, productivity, and overall well-being. Of course, it might not work for everyone...but it does seem like something very worth considering for lawyers.
If you'd like to learn more about this new way to work, you've come to the right place. Let's take a closer look at what microshifting is and how you can make it work for you.
What is Microshifting? Microshifting is exactly what it sounds like: breaking your workday into smaller, more intentional blocks, with built-in shifts for rest, movement, or different types of work (light vs. deep work). Instead of grinding through hours of work, microshifting encourages you to create space for mental resets throughout the day while also alternating between high-focus and low-focus work. If you find yourself hitting a roadblock, stepping outside for a walk or running a quick errand might be the refresher you need before returning to the task.
You might be thinking "It sounds like an excuse to do less work!" It's not about that at all. It's about working in a way that supports how your brain and body function. Knowing yourself, and when you do your best work, is half the battle. That way, you can construct an efficient microshifting schedule.
Why it Works (Especially for Lawyers). Legal work demands sustained concentration and attention to detail. Unfortunately, our minds aren't wired for infinite focus. Long stretches of uninterrupted work can lead to mental fatigue and increased stress. It can also lead the mistakes, which no lawyer can afford to make. That's why taking breaks is important! Microshifting helps build these breaks into your natural rhythm. These small shifts can help maintain clarity and reduce the cognitive overload that many attorneys experience daily.
Microshifting can also mean getting an earlier start or working later into the night, something attorneys are not strangers to. Personally, I like a hard cutoff at the end of my workday, but if I had billable hours and clients depending on me, it might be a different story. Microshifting can allow attorneys to pace themselves and continue their work for longer, possibly suiting the demands of their client's schedules. Just don't let it take over your work-life balance!
What Microshifting Looks Like in Practice. There's no one-size-fits-all approach, but if you're wondering what a microshifted day might look like, here's an example:
Early Morning: Check emails. Sip your coffee. Review what's on tap for the day or week.
Mid-Morning Break: Run an errand. Take your kids to school. Play with your pet.
Late Morning (High Focus): Deep work. Drafting, research, case strategy.
Midday Reset: Enjoy lunch. Take a walk. Do a little meditating.
Early Afternoon (Moderate Focus): Attend meetings, client communications, document review.
Late Afternoon Reset: Take a stretch break. Do a little cleaning. Have a snack.
End of Day (Light Tasks): Administrative wrap-up. Plan for tomorrow. Set goals.
This is just one example of what it could look like. What works for you could be completely different. The key is filling your day with intentional transitions, giving your brain permission to shift gears rather than forcing it to stay in work mode all day long.
Is This Realistic for Lawyers? It's true that deadlines, court schedules, and client demands don't always allow for perfectly structured breaks. But there are no rules when it comes to microshifting. You make it work for you by creating adjustments that benefit your workday. These adjustments could be as small as standing up between tasks, taking a five-minute walk between calls, or switching tasks when you feel fatigue start to kick in. Over time, these little shifts can lead to better focus and improved efficiency.
PBI: CLE That Fits Your (Microshifted) Schedule. One of the biggest challenges that lawyers face is finding time for professional development. When your schedule is packed to the gills, it's easy to let CLE fall onto the back burner. Next thing you know, it's the end of April and you're scrambling for ethics credits! Luckily for you, PBI CLE is made for busy schedules like yours.
Instead of setting aside large blocks of time to earn credits, consider watching a short, hour-long course between tasks. Listen to one of our timely webcasts while on a walk. Or use your lower-focus periods for learning. Our flexible CLE options are designed with your busy schedule in mind! Look no further than our on-demand library, teeming with options for lawyers in every field.
Small Shifts, Big Impact. The legal profession certainly isn't getting less demanding anytime soon. However, the way we approach our work has (and will continue) to evolve.
Microshifting offers a simple, practical way to work with your energy instead of against it. By breaking up the day and allowing for intentional resets, you can improve focus, reduce stress, and create a more sustainable workflow. Of course, some might find it works better than others! Just keep in mind that sometimes, the key to getting more done...is knowing when to step away.
If you'd like to learn more about microshifting and what people have to say about it, check out this article from AP!
