Janet is an international leader and speaker on well-being and diversity, inclusion & belonging with a special emphasis on law students and professional workplaces. Janet has over 25 years of experience as a law professor and practicing attorney. Her background in law and as a certified wellness coach and yoga instructor gives her a unique and synergistic range of knowledge and skills to guide law students and professionals to manage stress, build resilience, and thrive. Janet’s professional and life experiences inspired her to develop programs that support the well-being of individuals and groups in ways that honor their diverse experiences and needs.
We are delighted that Janet will be speaking in New York as part of our US summit. We caught up with her to see how she’s feeling in the runup to the event.
Hi Janet, we are thrilled that you will be speaking at the Wellbeing at Work US Summit in March. Our first and most important question is, how are you doing today??
I’m doing great today! I have finally recovered from the flu, and I feel rested and energized. After weeks of feeling physically and mentally limited because of illness, I’m now in the magical space of “anything is possible.”
As a leader based in the region, what are the main challenges you are facing when it comes to employee wellbeing and mental health?
As I speak with employees, I often hear the question, ‘What am I doing wrong that I can’t balance work with the rest of my life?’ The truth is, you’re not doing anything wrong — work-life balance is a myth. Instead of striving for a perfect balance, we should focus on integrating and harmonizing the many aspects of our lives – work, family, play, community, self-care, and everything in between – in a way that feels fulfilling and sustainable for us. There’s no universal formula, no one size fits all, no perfect scale where everything balances neatly. The pressure to achieve that illusion can actually harm our well-being. We are better served by finding a rhythm that aligns with our individual needs, values, and circumstances so that we can show up in every area of our lives without guilt or unrealistic expectations.
What strategies have you seen developing over the past 6 months, both internally and externally, that are moving the dial on wellbeing in the workplace?
One strategy I’m particularly excited about is integrating workplace coaching to empower leaders and teams. Skilled coaches can help their clients gain the clarity and perspective needed to manage challenges more effectively, enhance resilience and overall well-being, and reach their highest potential.
Why is employee wellbeing so important to you personally?
Well-being in the legal workplace is deeply personal to me. The legal profession has given me invaluable opportunities to grow and to contribute in meaningful ways. Yet, I’ve witnessed firsthand – and experienced myself – how legal work environments can take a serious toll on a person’s well-being. As a young lawyer I was immersed in a culture that valued long hours and often promoted unhealthy coping mechanisms. Later, as a law professor, I saw an opportunity to help law students gain the awareness and tools I lacked as a student. My goal is to help current and future legal professionals develop practices that will support their well-being.
What impact is AI having in your organization and how are you managing that?
I’m focusing on how AI is shaping well-being in the workplace, bringing both benefits and challenges. On the positive side, AI enhances accessibility for individuals with disabilities, enables faster knowledge acquisition for greater efficiency, and improves decision-making by leveraging vast amounts of data. These all have the potential to reduce stress and positively impact workplace well-being. However, AI also presents significant well-being challenges. One major concern is increased isolation — particularly troubling for the legal profession, which has been cited as the ‘loneliest’ profession. Additionally, many employees may not receive adequate training on AI systems, leading to anxiety and feelings of overwhelm.
There have also been alarming cases of lawyers relying on AI for legal research, only to find that the information was inaccurate or even entirely fabricated. These incidents raise serious ethical and professional concerns that may stem from an overworked lawyer having a lapse in judgment due to mental stain or it could be lack of training. Regardless of the cause, the consequences are severe in a profession where accuracy is paramount. As AI evolves it is critical that well-being is prioritized by ensuring that legal professionals are well-trained and have the capacity to maintain ethical standards.
Other than AI, are there any challenges that you are seeing for the first time and how are you addressing them?
I’m seeing rising levels of workplace stress, particularly as employees navigate uncertainty related to global and national events. While sources of stress vary from person to person, many people are feeling the weight of ongoing crises and unpredictability. In addition to external stressors, some employees are questioning their long-term future within their organizations and whether they are truly valued in their workplaces. This makes it even more critical for employers to foster a workplace culture that prioritizes well-being and provides employees with support and the tools they need to navigate change.
What areas do you think employers should be focused on over the next 12 months?
Over the next 12 months, employers should focus on advancing their organizational well-being goals based on their current position. A strategic approach is to identify the top three to five key metrics that need the most improvement and implement targeted initiatives, such as training, coaching, or other supportive measures, that will drive meaningful progress.
Do you feel that investment in employee wellbeing in the region is increasing or decreasing and is that a direct reflection on HR leaders’ increasing ability to demonstrate effective returns of their strategies to leadership?
It appears that more companies are showing a greater interest in employee well-being, but true progress requires a holistic approach – one that prioritizes not just support, but also preventative measures to sustain long-term well-being that addresses diverse and unique needs.
How has your organization been leading the way?
Well-Law is leading the way in workplace well-being through our comprehensive offerings including the Well-Law App, trainings, workshops, and wellness and leadership coaching. The Well-Law app provides curated resources and practical tools to help legal professionals seamlessly integrate well-being into their daily routines so they can thrive both professionally and personally. Beyond individual support, Well-Law partners with legal employers to deliver targeted training and coaching that equips leaders, fosters professional growth, and lays the foundation for a workplace culture that prioritizes well-being. At its core, the Well-Law message is simple but powerful: A thriving legal profession starts with a foundation of well-being. Well-Law is committed to being a leader in that transformation.
Janet will be speaking in New York at the Wellbeing at Work Summit US which takes place in New York, Austin Texas and virtually. Further details on the Summit can be found here.
