5 ways to prevent your employees burning out

Mental health is a crucial issue in the legal profession, and law firms have a responsibility to support the mental well-being of their lawyers. Unaddressed mental health issues can lead to high rates of burnout and turnover, which can be detrimental to both the individual lawyers and the firm as a whole.

It is a more prevalent issue than meets the eye, with the Lawcare 20/21 Report finding that:

• 69% of legal professionals have experienced mental health problems or burnout, and?
• 77% want help from their employers to manage stress

Here are our top 5 ways that law firms can support their lawyers' mental health and prevent resignations:

1. Create a supportive environment

Create a culture that encourages openness and honesty about mental health issues. This can include fostering a supportive environment where lawyers feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns and seeking help when needed (and not just on R U OK? Day)

2. Offer stress-reducing activities

Implement stress-reduction strategies, such as providing access to mindfulness and meditation programs or offering regular opportunities for exercise and physical activity. If you are in the office, this might be starting the mornings with 10 minutes of quiet meditation together, or if you all work from home, encourage staff to spend an extra 10 minutes after lunch to go outside, away from technology.

3. Set up clear boundaries

Encourage a healthy work-life balance by setting clear boundaries between work and personal time and promoting the importance of taking time off and disconnecting from work. Our office has a strict 'no notifications' policy on personal phones for work apps after hours. We aren't NASA or Surgeons; no one will die if we see it on Monday.

4. Provide resources and support

Provide support and resources for lawyers experiencing burnout or other mental health challenges. This can include offering flexible work schedules, providing access to wellness programs, and offering mental health leave when necessary.

5. Offer mental health assistance

You can offer mental health benefits to your staff as part of the overall health benefits package. This can include access to therapy, counselling services, mental health education, and training.

By taking these steps, law firms can support the mental health of their lawyers and prevent resignations due to burnout and other mental health issues. In the long run, this can lead to a more productive and engaged workforce and a more successful and sustainable law firm.?

Most importantly, you need to lead by example. It's ok not to be ok. But please ask for help.

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