Flexible working during the Olympics helped law firms avoid disruptions and brought benefits to companies, adding to the Olympics legacy, says the Law Society.
Law firms that adopted flexible working practices, such as compressed hours or working remotely, were able to dampen the Olympic effect on staff levels, as well as minimising its financial impact.
Workers who otherwise might have struggled with their commute were able to plug in from home or come in early.
The Law Society, which supported law firms in developing flexible working for the duration of the Olympics, is now encouraging firms to adopt flexible working practices for the Paralympics and beyond.
In order to support firms, the Law Society has provided a best practice Flexible Working Protocol** as part of its Diversity and Inclusion Charter. The protocol provides a clear business case for flexible working along with practical advice, checklists and case studies demonstrating economic, environmental and personnel benefits.
Law Society President Lucy Scott-Moncrieff said: 'The ability to work flexibly is becoming increasingly important for lawyers, not only during the Olympics and the Paralympics but also in this challenging economic climate. We are confident that law firms' positive experiences of flexible working during the Olympics will encourage them to view it as mainstream practice.
'Flexible working does not mean that business will suffer. On the contrary, it allows firms to retain talent and demonstrate their commitment to the innovation and diversity that flexible working practices can help deliver.'
Ends.
Notes to Editors:
The Law Society is the independent professional body, established for solicitors in 1825, that works globally to support and represent its members, promoting the highest professional standards and the rule of law.
*Flexible working means any variation to the current timing, hours or location of a role. It can entail compressed hours, job sharing, flexible start or finish times, working remotely or from home, zero hours contracts and over-time.
**The Law Society Flexible Working Protocol, which helps firms implement flexible working practices, is part of the Law Society's Diversity and Inclusion Charter. Find out more about the Protocol and the Charter on our website.
Contact: Emma Alatalo, The Law Society
+44 (0)20 7316 5592