By Jon Thorpe
Managing Director
ACS
AT ACS we see many potential benefits to law firms as they implement new workplace strategies. These include operational cost reduction, the facilitation of cultural shifts toward connectedness and community, continuous improvement of work processes, better integration and use of new technologies, and a continued emphasis on retention and training of the next generation of lawyers.
The average office footprint decreased by 27 per cent in 2018. Workers are using their work spaces in different ways and have new expectations when it comes to the working environment both from an operational and aesthetic viewpoint. As a result, law firms have resorted to rethinking their workspace in terms of style and quality to ensure their employees needs are catered to.
With generation Z on the cusp of graduation, there is a real requirement for law companies to ensure they have the competitive edge they need to attract the best employees and latest talent. There is a new wave of expectation when it comes to the world of work and as 75 per cent of the workforce will comprise of millennials by 2030, there is no time to delay change.
In terms of technology, AI technology has been embedded into law software for years assisting with everything from research to automation. Once a costly investment, prices are decreasing making it a more affordable option for smaller firms.
Remote collaboration and online sharing have allowed for the rise of the remote lawyer. Employees desire a mobile environment to fulfil their functions in a space that supports their need for flexibility. New technological developments make mobility possible thanks to tools like virtual law libraries, laptops and smartphones. Making sure these items are provided as primary tools has become critical for fulfilling needs and ensuring productivity.
With that in mind, security is no second thought and in what is an increasingly mobile working environment, it is imperative that law firms have in place the measures to protect client and case data.
Finally, the essential establishment and cementing of relationships for a successful working partnership is powered by reliable connectivity. The move towards 5G when it comes to mobile connection is one which will be welcomed by the legal sector, however it is crucial plans are put in place when it comes to technology to support this so that the benefits can be fully leveraged.
In summary the workplace changes seen within the legal sector are already emerging. It is a shift that should be embraced by firms which can take advantage of the range of improvements and new opportunities it brings with it. Whilst change is inevitable, growth is optional. Well-managed changes make the perfect foundation for excellent evolution and the legal sector can use this to its highest advantage.
Visit www.acs365.co.uk for more or call 01604 704000 to book a meeting.