Ask Ash: Work still means office

Dear Ash,

I have been feeling disillusioned recently by the number of colleagues leaving our firm in pursuit of a desire for a better work-life balance. I am seemingly old school in preferring to work from the office and working a full week. Many of my colleagues also choose to work restricted hours as they prefer to have more flexibility in their working life. However, I prefer to have structure and consistency in my life and I don’t like much change; and I’m finding it difficult to comprehend this changing working environment post-Covid.

Ash replies:

There are certainly a number of lasting legacies post-Covid, although the impact on the working environment is often perceived as positive, with more people realising the need to take practical steps to enjoy a better work-life balance. Although this concept was definitely around even pre-Covid, the voice of many hardcore traditionalists was still very prevalent, peddling the need for the more classic structure of progressing up the career ladder with long hours at the office, and the sacrifice of personal commitments.

It was indeed considered career suicide to actively seek to restrict work hours “in the prime of your career”, as I was aptly once told by a senior manager (although this was a decade ago)! However, in today’s era, your views in support of the more traditional approach are increasingly attributed more to the minority.

I am not at all suggesting that you are not entitled to continue to focus on your career in the way you choose to, but I suggest that you do consider whether there is perhaps a better way of pursuing a fulfilling career while still having more time to pursue a life outwith the office.

Covid taught us all that we can work efficiently from a home-based environment, and indeed work flexibly while still fulfilling key deadlines. With that enlightenment, people are increasingly unwilling to make sacrifices on a personal level. Although there are increasing voices seeking a greater return of staff to office buildings, this is being resisted in certain sectors.

You mention not liking change, but I advise you to at least take small steps towards embracing some change in your working environment, as in my opinion we are unlikely to go back fully to the way we were.

“Ash” is a solicitor who is willing to answer work-related queries from solicitors and other legal professionals, which can be put to her via the editor: peter@connectmedia.cc. Confidence will be respected and any advice published will be anonymised.

Please note that letters to Ash are not received at the Law Society of Scotland. The Society offers a support service for trainees through its Education, Training & Qualifications team. Email legaleduc@lawscot.org.uk or phone 0131 226 7411 (select option 3).