Home or Office?

 

The decline in the number of infections throughout Europe has many dreaming of a "normal" life again. A "green passport" should soon allow us to travel, which everyone is happy about, except the (frothing) data protectionists. But what does this actually mean for the professional lives of lawyers? Here's a quick overview:

Hardcore #1 - back to the office. The legal profession has not been home-office friendly in the past. Under the dictates of immediate action, it is said to be best for all lawyers in a firm to be on-site for as long as possible each day. Those who think this way will grasp the next opportunity to call all employees back to the workplace. It is questionable whether they will willingly follow.

Hardcore #2 - no office anymore. Revolutionary minds among advocates are pursuing this path: there is no longer an office in the traditional sense, only conference rooms are provided in central locations. Advantages and disadvantages are obvious: maximum cost savings for the employer, highest possible flexibility for the employees - but where is the corporate culture?

The middle ground. Cultural issues are probably one of the reasons why the majority of firms aim for a percentage solution: 50:50. 60:40, 40:60 - a minimum of two days per week at the workplace is probably a must. The problem with this is that average solutions only ever suit a small proportion of the workforce! Home office, for example, is particularly attractive for childless midagers,  if they are suitably equipped and can work undisturbed. If the opposite is the case, it is hell if it is mandatory. The stability of the client relationship also plays a role here. However, the question of training and further education of younger colleagues is particularly sensitive. Some advice from an experienced colleague fails to be given due to a casual encounter, not to mention picking up information and knowledge by chance.

In view of the general uncertainty about the development, real estate agents advise law firms against premature changes. There is really nothing to add to this.