Be Well, 0819 WYBJ, Vol. 42 No. 5. 60
| Author | Maryt L Fredrickson Ninth Judicial District Court & 307 Yoga LLC Jackson, Wyoming |
| Position | Vol. 42 5 Pg. 60 |
Working Remotely - Part Two: Faith, Tools and Logistics
Maryt L Fredrickson Ninth Judicial District Court & 307 Yoga LLC Jackson, Wyoming
The last Be Well column introduced the benefits of working remotely as a vehicle to achieve the work-life balance lawyers consistently struggle to find. Remote work is a valuable tool for lawyers and firms in all sectors, and it is becoming even more important when hiring and retaining younger lawyers accustomed to high levels of flexibility and remote communication. This month's column follows up on the high value of remote work by discussing some of the hurdles and logistics.
Working remotely is actually a panacea for some attorneys in the area of work-life balance. The advantages of working remotely include having more time for personal matters, having eliminated the need to get ready for work and commute. Remote workers often save money by eating at home and eliminating some dry cleaning and commuting costs. Remote workers tend to have more time for sleep. Remote workers are often able to better manage personal errands, like washing laundry and doing dishes, since they can do those tasks during small breaks from work instead of cramming them in to the limited time between dinner and bedtime. Remote workers are able to have more control over their schedule, so they can care for sick children or loved ones if needed, while still getting their work tasks done. Allowing remote work can save on office overhead, results in improved employee retention and loyalty, and broadens the pool of available candidates for work.
A Small Leap of Faith
Most attorneys already work remotely, at least in part. When you travel to a deposition or a hearing and do some work after arriving at your destination, you are working remotely. When you answer emails from home or while at a kid's soccer game, you are working remotely. When you attend a conference but take a break to do some billable work here and there using your laptop, you are working remotely.
Since attorneys already work remotely to some extent, the leap to setting yourself or your associates up for more regular remote work is small and feasible. One of the challenges legal employers face is not logistical; the challenge is mental. An employer needs to trust that the remote workers will get their jobs done. Fortunately, in the law, work...
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