Work From Home

Don’t get me wrong: I love having a corporate office.

I go in three days a week because I love an office.

I didn’t play house as a kid. I played office (or school).

There’s something about a desk and work space and supplies that speaks to my soul.

That said: the two days I work from home are magical.

I get so much done personally and professionally.

My mental health—and my dogs—thrive in this flexible environment.

And here’s the other kicker: I don’t feel more or less connected with my colleagues when I WFH.

In fact, when I’m in the office, 95% of my meetings are still virtual.

This idea that we must be in the office to grow is antiquated.

Yes: there is value to in person time. But to be valuable, it requires much more than simply showing up to a brick and mortar office.

It requires intention and meaningful connection.

And, guess what? Intention and meaningful connection can AND DOES happen virtually.

I see it, experience it, and benefit from it weekly, if not daily.

To retain talent,

To build sustainable careers,

We MUST NOT go backwards.

We MUST GIVE UP all or nothing thinking.

Flexibility and choice build autonomy.

Flexibility and choice build loyalty.

There is no one way to build a successful, meaningful, sustainable career.

Forcing people to work in a certain place and certain time is the truest example of this type of thinking playing out in real time (still and again and again).

Tying bonuses or compensation to in office time (the newest technique) is simply outrageous.

Treat your colleagues, peers, and employees like adults and you’ll see results.

Give your colleagues, peers, and employees ownership over choices like this and you’ll gain loyalty.

I, for one, won’t go back and I’m grateful my firm isn’t asking me to.

#lawyerwellbeing #law #legalissues #career #experience