The Hybrid Hustle.
In the evolving landscape of professional services, law firms are continuing to struggle with the complex dynamics of hybrid working. This is a topic raised often, second to managing Gen-Z. The COVID-19 pandemic incited a rapid shift towards remote work, forcing even the most traditional sectors to adapt… (Well, something had to do it).
The nature of legal work often requires close collaboration, meticulous documentation review, adherence to strict confidentiality standards and even stricter deadlines. Has the hybrid model compromised these aspects?
Among every survey and article published, you will find arguments both for and against this modern way of working. Whether based on extensive research or solely on the perspective of a specific firm, recurring themes emerge. As we know in the legal world, for every argument presented there is a counter argument waiting in the wings.
So, let’s look at the most common issues…
Improved Productivity vs Eroding Trust
What does a work-life balance look like for you? One size will never fit all.
Hybrid working blurs the boundaries between professional life and personal life. While flexibility can improve your work-life balance, it can lead to overworking and burnout. Or, on the flip side, it can lead to resentment and an erosion of trust.
Whatever your personal view or way of working, it needs to be managed properly. Setting clear expectations and boundaries around working hours and deadlines are crucial.
Don’t ask people to keep the boundaries you didn’t set.
Enhancing Collaboration and Communication
A lawyers day to day often involves intricate (and time-consuming) collaboration and teamwork. The hybrid model can create communication gaps, leading to misunderstandings, decreased productivity and missed deadlines.
Can this be avoided?
With tools like Google Docs, Teams, Zoom and other project management software, the gap between remote and in-office could be easy. As long as everyone knows what is expected. If a Partner’s preference is face to face, have the discussion and set those boundaries.
But first know why thats your preference.
Training and Development
The traditional model of learning and development involves hands-on training and shadowing experienced colleagues. Hybrid working necessitates a rethinking of these practices.
Virtual training programs, online courses, and mentorship through digital platforms can support the continuous professional development of lawyers in a hybrid environment, but constant clarification may be necessary to make up for the reduced tone, context and body language cues that come with in-person interactions.
This brings us back to the need for communication, trust and setting clear boundaries and expectations.
If we got put back into a lockdown tomorrow, we would make it work!
Attracting and Retaining Talent vs Office In A City
Flexible working arrangements are now increasingly attractive to top talent. By offering hybrid working options, law firms can appeal to a broader pool of candidates and retain valuable employees who seek flexibility.
On the other hand, pre-pandemic attendance justified the rent being paid for office space in expensive cities. The push to get everyone back into the office is a regular point of discussion, with firms offering perks from private music rooms to ‘free lunch’ Wednesdays.
Expanding Client Reach vs Reduced Client Exposure
Hybrid working can benefit clients across different geographies, expanding reach and providing more flexible service options. But will this produce a lack of connection between the associates and their clients?
Don’t forget, the clients are probably in the office for the same amount of time as everyone else, discussing the same issues.
By implementing clear policies and expectations within your team, you can be successful and productive no matter what your best way of working looks like.
A firm willing to embrace the opportunities of the modern workplace can create a flexible, productive and far-reaching work environment that meets the evolving needs of employees and clients.