Could Your Law Firm Offer A Four Day Working Week?

Could Your Law Firm Offer A Four Day Working Week?

In January 2023, law firm managing partners/CEOs were asked what they believed to be the biggest obstacle to growth over the next 12 months. Almost two thirds (63%) cited recruitment. Attracting and retaining talent is tough when senior associates and partners are being “bombarded” with lucrative job offers. One way to meet the challenge of getting the best people on board is to offer a four-day week as part of your flexible working package.

There is some support throughout the legal profession for a four-day week. The Law Society Gazette has reported on studies from the campaign group 4 Day Week Global which states that 63% of businesses found it easier to attract and retain talent with a four-day work week, while 78% of employees reported feeling happier and less stressed.

What are the benefits of a four-day week to employers and employees?

Increased productivity

One surprising positive businesses (including law firms) have discovered after implementing a four day week is that it leads to increased productivity. The reason is simple: when employees know they have fewer days to get their tasks done, they tend to be more focused and efficient. A compacted work schedule minimises the temptation for prolonged breaks or distractions, as there is an increased sense of urgency to complete assignments. Moreover, with longer daily work hours, employees have extended uninterrupted periods to delve deep into their tasks, resulting in higher quality outcomes.

Making work-life balance a reality

Work-life balance, a term that has been tossed around for years, finally finds its true meaning with a four-day week. Employees get an additional day to rest, spend time with family, or indulge in personal hobbies and activities. This significantly enhances the mental well-being of employees and reduces the risk of them making mistakes that could lead to an SRA-led investigation. In an era where mental health has become a focal point of concern, giving employees an extra day off can be a powerful statement of an organisation's commitment to its employees’ holistic health.

Consilia Legal, an employment law firm based in Leeds, introduced a four-day week for senior “settled” staff as an incentive to stay at the firm. Co-founder Laura Clapton told the Law Society Gazette

“[It is] something different to improve wellbeing and make staff feel empowered. Ultimately, we are saying “we trust you implicitly that you can manage your time” and it is not about how many hours in the day are chargeable. As long as you’re getting the job done, that’s fine.”

Fewer sick days and plusses for the environment and wider community

Law firms might also observe a reduction in absenteeism when trialling four day work weeks. When employees have ample time to recover from the stresses of the work environment, they are less likely to fall ill or feel the need to take unplanned leaves. This can lead to a more consistent work output and can save costs associated with covering for absent employees.

ESG strategies/benefits also come into play. Four-day work weeks, in conjunction with hybrid working means a reduction in employee commuting. This leads reduced carbon emissions and less traffic congestion. This not only contributes positively to the fight against climate change but also enhances the quality of life in urban centres by decreasing pollution levels and traffic-related stress. The long-term benefits for talent acquisition and retention cannot be overlooked either. As the younger workforce, particularly millennials and Gen Z, prioritise flexibility and work-life balance, law firms offering a four-day work week are seen as more attractive employers. But beware the downsides…

Most Solicitors struggle to get through their workload when given five to six days per week; therefore, implementing a four-day work week could add stress rather than reduce it. Someone will suffer, and more often than not, that someone will be the client. And in today’s world where one slight delay can lead to a negative Google or Trustpilot review, partners may view it too risky to reduce fee-earners’ working hours.

Wrapping up

A four-day work week is not just a trendy shift in the modern work culture but a strategic move that can alleviate the chronic recruitment problem that hinders so many law firms’ ability to grow. However, it is not a solution that will suit every business or every Solicitor. Perhaps the best option is to offer different types of flexible working arrangements that are tailored to the needs of a) the employee, b) their practice and the expectations of their clients, and c) other colleagues and the firm’s culture/values.

“Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.” – Richard Branson

Albion Legal provides a range of added value products and services, from bespoke employment disputes insurance cover to white-labelled HR software. To discuss any points in the above article or to find out how we can help your business, please phone 0113 2471 717 or email our team.