The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance is a think tank dedicated to creating work environments centered on inclusion and innovative thought leadership. The Alliance empowers organizations with the tools necessary for advancing women, fostering flexibility, and retaining top talent.
To learn how we can help your organization, please get in touch.
Action Step – Take A Picture of the Glass Ceiling at Your Firm
The Alliance’s Action Steps are designed to assist organizations with implementing practical strategies and policies related to diversity and flexibility. Members can access full versions of all of the Alliance’s Action Steps in the Member Resource Center.
TAKE A PICTURE OF THE GLASS CEILING AT YOUR FIRM
One of the greatest challenges for law firms is to identify their glass ceilings. (For some firms, of course, the greatest challenge is admitting that they have a glass ceiling, but the low numbers of women in the upper levels of leadership at most firms are hard to deny.) By determining the location and parameters of the obstacles to women’s advancement, firms can target their efforts and make better progress toward gender equity. Here are ways to get a handle on where the obstacles for women exist in your firm:
Action Step – Support Diversity & Flexibility Programs at the Top
The Alliance’s Action Steps are designed to assist organizations with implementing practical strategies and policies related to diversity and flexibility. Members can access full versions of all of the Alliance’s Action Steps in the Member Resource Center.
SUPPORT DIVERSITY & FLEXIBILITY PROGRAMS AT THE TOP
Visible support from the firm’s top management is essential to incorporating diversity and flexibility into the culture. Stating support in memos or meetings is a good start, but by itself will not get the job done. Much of the communication within a firm is nonverbal, and includes what leaders do, what gets noticed, and what gets rewarded. Here are some action steps firm managers can take to align their deeds with their words:
Action Step – Make Your Flexible Work Policy A Recruiting and Retention Tool
The Alliance’s Action Steps are designed to assist organizations with implementing practical strategies and policies related to diversity and flexibility. Members can access full versions of all of the Alliance’s Action Steps in the Member Resource Center.
MAKE YOUR FLEXIBLE WORK POLICY A RECRUITING AND RETENTION TOOL
If your firm’s flexible work policy is largely unused, or used only by a handful of lawyers who are mothers of young children, you may be missing out on an easy, effective, and comparatively inexpensive way to recruit and keep great lawyers. If your firm wouldn’t exactly be called a “lifestyle” firm, then a reduced hours program that lawyers are encouraged to use can be a strong recruiting and retention tool. Candidates will flock to your door, and the attrition treadmill will slow, but only if your flexible work program is non-stigmatized…