MacRoberts formalises hybrid working policy

Commercial law firm MacRoberts is embracing a hybrid working model, rather than a mandated full return to the office, following feedback received from its people during the pandemic. 

Staff voiced a strong preference for a hybrid of office and home working, which also benefited clients through lawyers having the flexibility to choose where and how to work.

Decisions around which days employees work in the office and remotely are being taken by individual line managers, in regular consultation with their teams, with the expectation that staff will work two or three days in the office and two or three days remotely each week. MacRoberts said this approach, endorsed by its management board, "aligns with the firm’s values of commitment, excellence, integrity, innovation, teamwork and respect". 

The policy follows the firm's move in May 2021 to new office premises in Edinburgh, at 10 George Street, which have been designed with a focus on agile working and collaboration between people and clients. In Glasgow, the firm has open plan offices in the Capella building on York Street, which are also conducive to the hybrid working model. It is also supported by continuing investment in technology.

Managing partner Neil Kennedy commented: "As we look to the future, I am convinced that agility, flexibility and choice for our people and our clients will bring long term benefits to quality of service and the promotion of a genuine work-life balance – both of which we have seen over the last year, and which are critical to modern, progressive law firms."

Rupa Mooker, director of People & Development, added: "The change within the legal profession over the last two years is vast, and continuous change is inevitable, particularly in the way individuals view their relationship with their career and profession. Empowering and enabling our people to work where, when and how they want has brought tremendous benefits both to our firm and to our clients and we are committed to continuing this philosophy."