The Slaughter and May Boss Says ‘Back to the Office!’
London law leaders Slaughter and May are set to crack down on lawyers who are not abiding by the firm’s requirement to spend at least three days a week in the office.
In the legal world, where tradition often meets modernity, the debate around remote working has taken a fascinating turn. Slaughter and May has become a focal point of this conversation.
Their recent move is a crackdown on remote working, targeting those who aren’t toeing the line of their office attendance policy.
Slaughter and May, a member of the prestigious ‘magic circle’ of law firms and one of the most prestigious law firms in the world, has set a rule: lawyers need to work from their desks at One Bunhill Row for at least three days a week. However, whispers around the watercooler suggest that not everyone’s playing ball.
Enter Deborah Finkler, (left) the firm’s managing partner. Finkler’s not mincing words. In a communication that could chill any home-office enthusiast, she’s laid down the law: attendance is being tracked, and deviations from the policy will be a topic of discussion with HR and the directors.
The message is clear – if you’re not at your desk (unless for client or court reasons), expect a tap on the shoulder.
This development isn’t just a blip on the legal radar. It reflects a broader trend post-pandemic, where remote work has shifted from a necessity to a preferred mode for many. Interestingly, the younger crowd, especially those under 35, are pushing back hardest.
A recent study highlighted that a significant chunk of these young professionals would need a financial incentive to ditch their home setups for the traditional office environment as flexible work trends continue to take hold in companies and law firms.
But Slaughter and May aren’t alone in facing this remote work conundrum. The UK government, too, is grappling with similar issues, along with firms in the US and elsewhere who are taking steps to take a carrot-and-stick approach towards forcing workers back into the office.
UK Cabinet Office minister John Glen has been vocal about civil servants needing to step up their office presence, citing a responsibility to the taxpayer. This stance mirrors the private sector’s growing concern over productivity and company culture in the age of Zoom and Slack.
It’s not just about where work gets done, though.
Changes To Job Expectations
The debate is also about what motivates the workforce. Gone are the days when a pool table or an office pet might have tipped the scales.
Today’s workforce, especially the younger generation, the Gen Zers, are voicing a clear preference for benefits that support personal development and flexible hours. They’re not just looking for a paycheck; they’re looking for a work environment that aligns with their lifestyle and values, which is reflected in previous surveys and reports about law firm working requirements.
Employers, including law firms, have offered often ludicrous benefits like pool tables and office pets to lure staff into work, but Gen Z wants more than that and is reportedly looking for benefits more aligned to personal development.
So, what does this mean for law firms and businesses at large? On one side, there’s the push for productivity, team cohesion, and a certain work ethic associated with office life.
On the other, there’s a growing demand for flexibility, work-life balance, and benefits that resonate with a younger workforce’s expectations.
