Law Firm Counsels Staff on Wellbeing

Press Release - 8th February 2005

Law Firm Counsels Staff On Wellbeing

Manchester based law firm Antony Hodari & Co has introduced an innovative HR service to help staff effectively manage personal issues arising out side of the office.

The firm, which employs over 100 staff, has partnered with Validium, the integrated EAP provider and specialist HR support consultancy, to provide staff with an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). The programme offers staff direct access to independent and confidential counselling, as well as advice on practical matters, via telephone helplines and face-to-face meetings with trained counsellors.

Commenting on its introduction Lisa Friedman, HR Manager, Antony Hodari & Co said, "Lawyers have often been recognised as suffering from a culture of long hours and heavy workloads and, traditionally, law firms have also been slow to tackle HR issues. We've always had measures in place to monitor work loads but recently we had noticed that people were more likely to suffer from stress as a result of personal issues occurring outside of the office, which we had identified were having an adverse effect on work performance.

"Providing an independent helpline enables staff to seek advice on a host of issues, not just emotional issues. To have someone they can confidentially talk to makes a big difference and we've had great feedback from staff already".

Recent surveys have shown that many lawyers are also reluctant to take any time off and alcohol related deaths in the legal profession are twice the national average. However, with firms such as Antony Hodari & Co adopting a pro-active approach to HR issues and equally, young professionals coming into the industry with a different approach to attaining a work-life balance, it is expected that these trends will start to change.

Mike Shaw, Managing Director, Validium added, "Equilibrium, is often the most difficult state to achieve in any walk of life but by putting the right procedures in place, such as an EAP, organisations are making a significant contribution to attaining this".

Founded in 1984 Antony Hodari & Co specialises in personal injury claims and conveyancing. Further information is available from www.antonyhodari.co.uk.

Ends

Sharon McEwan,
BRIGHT PR,
t: +44 (0)141 248 1234
e: info@brightpr.com
w: www.brightpr.com