Episode 21 - Flexible Working in the New World

In the eighth podcast in this collection focusing on providing practical support and assistance for those working in the legal ecosystem during this time of extreme change, we discussed with Katherine Thomas, CEO, Free Range Lawyers, Flexible Working in the New World – and what a new world it has become! We kicked off with an explanation of what flexible working is today – it's not the same as it was – it's expanded in application and definition. Katherine analysed how the wide spread application of flexible work, as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, has challenged myths and provided case studies around things like productivity, uptake, and access to talent but, how it's also been important to remember not everyone needs or wants to work this way. Katherine also discussed how the consequences of these wide-spread flexible work arrangements have been far reaching in the legal industry (and all others). The needs/expectations of individual employees have also been reflected in changing customer and business demands – they're all inter-related. And, what is being changed is likewise not just internal to firms/organisations like new business processes and project management, communication tools and expected outputs, but it's also given rise to new customer behaviours and the enhanced use of technology.   It's unlikely law firms/organisations will return to the same work environment that they left pre COVID-19, even if they want to (and it's clear many do not), their employees or clients may not accept a reset to the old status quo. In the near future, work may become less about when people return to work and more about how and where! Thank you so much, Katherine – another fabulous thought provoking session! If you would like to listen to Katherine's other podcast in this series on Remote Working…in a crisis, you'll find it here. If you would prefer to watch it, you'll find it here. P.S. This podcast was also recorded as a webinar so if you would like to watch it, you'll find it here.