Published in Law.com
By Ioana Good
Culture clearly has a powerful effect. Studies have shown time and again that the right culture increases productivity, wellness, results, retention, and resilience. According to the Harvard Business Review, there is a growing body of research on positive organizational psychology, which demonstrates that a cut-throat environment is harmful to productivity over time. A positive environment will lead to dramatic benefits for employers. The right company culture will also help overcome structural barriers. Yet, all too often, companies rarely stop to consider the impact of decisions on culture because everyone is too busy trying to satisfy clients, employees, and shareholders.
Culture does not happen overnight. It is a function of the firm’s evolution and decisions made over time. Ultimately, company culture can be broken down to an alignment of purpose. If the organization’s culture aligns with the employees that work there, happiness abounds, productivity soars, and the organization thrives. But creating and sustaining that purpose is no small feat. Organizations are faced with constant change – whether through new leadership, market changes, or unforeseen events like a worldwide pandemic.
Fortunately, many organizations around the legal space recognize the importance of wellness, a significant driver of a thriving culture. Some firms have signed the ABA Well-Being Pledge and offer resources and confidentiality to help lawyers with substance-use disorders and mental health issues. IWIL also developed the Well-Being Toolkit for Lawyers and Legal Employers. IWIL identifies six dimensions in people’s lives that they need to pay attention to emotional, intellectual, occupational, physical, spiritual, and social. The organization offers a framework and guidelines for law firms to follow. The program also encourages open firm-wide discussions regarding wellness.
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