Law firm to 'get to the heart' of work-life balance
04/03/2008(17:20)
London law firm Mishcon de Reya has decided to experiment with working hours in order to "get right to the heart" of work-life balance issues.
According to The Lawyer, employees will be offered a range of annual hours under a scheme expected to aid the reintegration of women who have been on maternity leave.
Managing partner Kevin Gold explained to the publication that discussions are being held to ascertain employees' thoughts on the proposal.
"I think this scheme will get right to the heart of the whole debate on work-life balance," he remarked.
"How do you deal with the issues of partnership when people should be judged equally, but there seems to be a disadvantage for those who've taken time out?" he added.
Mr Gold went on to state that the initiative - expected to be implemented next year - is likely to split lawyers into those who work 800 annual hours, those who work 2,000 hours and those who work "somewhere in between".
In a recent study by Australia's Institute of Chartered Accountants, it was suggested that employers who promote workers' lifestyle balance not only retain more employees, but also boost job satisfaction levels.
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