Ashurst tries a new way of working

The international firm Ashurst has launched a “smarter” working initiative in its Glasgow and London offices.

Designed to reflect the way work has changed over the last 20 years, the new approach will see all lawyers, business services and secretarial staff choose the best times and places to work that suit the nature of tasks undertaken and personal preferences, while making sure work is delivered efficiently and effectively.  

Mike Polson, Ashurst's Glasgow Managing Partner, said: "Changes in technology and increased client demands have driven fundamental changes in working patterns over recent years. For lawyers, the working day is rarely based around set hours but around client requirements and deadlines. Business services staff have also seen changes in their roles, in light of centralisation, automation and internationalisation.”

According to Polson the company wanted to identify an innovative approach to address this which went beyond flexible working. Individuals can now work wherever and whenever they want provided the requirements of clients and teams are met with due consideration to confidentiality and security.

Claire Townshend, the firm's Head of HR for EMEA and US said that adopting a common sense approach “in a process light environment with a focus on open communication and trust” will be key to making the initiative a success.