We are delighted that Andrew will be joining us as a speaker at our Wellbeing at Work Summit UK which takes place from 19th-21st September, live and in-person in London & Manchester. We caught up with him to find out why he is so passionate about wellbeing at work and why he is looking forward to the Summit.
We are thrilled that you will be speaking at our Wellbeing at Work UK Summit in September. Our first and most important question is, how are you doing today?
All good thank you!
As a leader based in the region, what are the main challenges your you are facing when it comes to employee wellbeing?
Looking at this with my hat on as an employment lawyer, the main challenge continues to be about how to ensure hybrid working works for all sides and avoids any unintended isolation or exclusion – whether you are in or out of the office. This, alongside continued focus on physical and mental health, is at the heart of a lot of the queries we have been receiving.
What strategies have you seen developing over the past 6 months, both internally and externally, that is moving the dial on wellbeing in the workplace?
I spoke with a client last month about a genuinely tailored benefit programme, which really did allow employees to align the benefits they took to their personal, financial and health needs.
Why is employee wellbeing so important to you personally?
It is about values or morals really. Looking after people, providing the best environment to thrive in, is hard, but fundamentally it is the right thing to do.
What are you most looking forward to about the Summit in September?
Hearing from the rest of the panel on the pros and cons associated with the four-day week vs hybrid working.
Tell us, what is your vision for the workplace of the future, in terms of engagement, health and wellbeing?
That is a big question. I think the vision for the future is nothing revolutionary. The workplace should be open, transparent and inclusive – and where we support each other to deliver a collective output. If we can get that right, the rest will follow.
What areas do you think employers should be focused on over the next 12 months?
Communication, communication, communication. And inclusion.
How has your organisation been leading the way?
We have received our highest ranking ever in the UK 100 Best Companies to Work For list as well as featuring for a record 20 years running.
Our three-star accreditation demonstrates the highest standard of workplace engagement and excellence, giving us “world class” status, according to Best Companies.
We have also been named as the eighth best UK law firm to work for by RollOnFriday, the online site that provides news, views and gossip on the legal profession. This is the seventh year in a row we have ranked in the top ten.
Finally, our holistic approach to diversity and inclusion was commended in the Financial Times’ Innovative Awards: Europe as we were named the 33rd most innovative law firm. Enhancements to our recruitment process, client engagement and colleague support, were praised by the judges.
Andrew will be speaking in London at the Wellbeing at Work Summit UK that takes place both live and in-person in London, Manchester, and virtually for the wider region. Further details on the Summit can be found here.
