WASHINGTON, DC, March 22, 2017 — While the availability of flexible work arrangements has increased in law firms, new research released by the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance (“the Alliance”) suggests that not all lawyers and staff are using the policies. The third annual Law Firm Flexibility Benchmarking Survey, released today, examines the availability and usage of flexible work policies in large U.S. law firms.
The survey found that while 26 of 28 participating firms (93 percent) have a formal written flexible work policy, the attorney usage rates remain at or below 8.8 percent for reduced hours, flexible start and end times, telecommuting, annualized hours, and job sharing. Detailed information is available in the report’s Executive Summary.
“While we are optimistic about the growing number of major U.S. law firms that have a formal flexible work policy, the usage rates are a better indicator of a culture that truly supports flex,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “For a flexibility policy to be successful it must be de-gendered, de-parented, de-stigmatized, and integrated into the cultural norms of an organization. Otherwise many employees, diverse individuals in particular, often face bias and stigma related to working flexibly,” she added. “Our vision for the future is an industry where all professionals are comfortable working flexibly and are confident that they are not impeding their career by doing so.”
Conference To Highlight the Evolving Culture of Flexibility & Diversity
WASHINGTON, DC, February 27, 2017 — The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance has announced that KPMG Global Chairman John Veihmeyer will deliver the keynote address at its annual conference, Diversity + Flexibility = An Evolving Culture, in Washington, DC on March 16, 2017. The one-day conference will also feature executives from Verizon, Booz Allen Hamilton, Walmart, Morgan Stanley, and several prominent law firms who will share their best practices for embracing diversity and flexibility and the value they bring to their organizations. Human Resources executives, Diversity & Inclusion professionals, management, and anyone interested in learning more about the benefits of diversity and flexibility are invited to attend. More information and registration details can be found here.
“Our annual conference brings together professionals from the legal, corporate, financial, and consulting industries who share advice on flexibility and diversity initiatives,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “We are proud to welcome John Veihmeyer and other leaders who are trendsetters in diversity and flexibility and are integral to this evolution of cultural change in the workplace.”
WASHINGTON, DC, February 27, 2017 — The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance (the “Alliance”) today announced that Nancy Laben, Chief Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary and Executive Vice President of Booz Allen Hamilton will receive its 2017 Flex Leader Award. The Flex Leader Award recognizes an executive who is moving his or her organization toward a more inclusive workplace through holistic flexibility. The Award will be presented on March 16, 2017 at the Alliance’s annual conference, Diversity + Flexibility = An Evolving Culture, in Washington, DC. Registration is available here.
“We are proud to honor Nancy Laben as our 2017 Flex Leader for her tireless efforts to create a culture that truly supports flexible work at Booz Allen Hamilton,” said Manar Morales, President and CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “Nancy clearly leads by example as she works remotely, finds time for family, and has relocated to an office closer to her home to reduce commute time. More importantly, she offers her team the same opportunities to find balance in their schedules.”
Ms. Laben has been a strong supporter of a Booz Allen Hamilton program created to provide employees with greater flexibility in where, when, and how they work. The program was initiated about six years ago in response to the high level of traffic congestion in the Washington, DC area, combined with the desire to recruit and retain the best talent. Workspaces were redesigned to be a more collaborative space and employees are encouraged to limit their commute time and work from an office close to their homes when their client work allows. Flexible work schedules are encouraged, and it is a cultural norm in which flexible schedules are supported and not a detriment to employees’ careers.
https://dfalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Diversity-and-Flexibility-Alliance-Logo-260.png00integritivehttps://dfalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Diversity-and-Flexibility-Alliance-Logo-260.pngintegritive2017-02-27 00:00:002017-02-27 00:00:00Diversity & Flexibility Alliance To Recognize Booz Allen Hamilton Executive As Flex Leader
Survey Finds Positive Trends in Law Firm Flexibility, However Bias Continues to Impede Usage
WASHINGTON, DC, March 22, 2017 — While the availability of flexible work arrangements has increased in law firms, new research released by the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance (“the Alliance”) suggests that not all lawyers and staff are using the policies. The third annual Law Firm Flexibility Benchmarking Survey, released today, examines the availability and usage of flexible work policies in large U.S. law firms.
The survey found that while 26 of 28 participating firms (93 percent) have a formal written flexible work policy, the attorney usage rates remain at or below 8.8 percent for reduced hours, flexible start and end times, telecommuting, annualized hours, and job sharing. Detailed information is available in the report’s Executive Summary.
“While we are optimistic about the growing number of major U.S. law firms that have a formal flexible work policy, the usage rates are a better indicator of a culture that truly supports flex,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “For a flexibility policy to be successful it must be de-gendered, de-parented, de-stigmatized, and integrated into the cultural norms of an organization. Otherwise many employees, diverse individuals in particular, often face bias and stigma related to working flexibly,” she added. “Our vision for the future is an industry where all professionals are comfortable working flexibly and are confident that they are not impeding their career by doing so.”
Some other highlights from the report include:
KPMG Global Chairman to Deliver Diversity & Flexibility Alliance Keynote
Conference To Highlight the Evolving Culture of Flexibility & Diversity
WASHINGTON, DC, February 27, 2017 — The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance has announced that KPMG Global Chairman John Veihmeyer will deliver the keynote address at its annual conference, Diversity + Flexibility = An Evolving Culture, in Washington, DC on March 16, 2017. The one-day conference will also feature executives from Verizon, Booz Allen Hamilton, Walmart, Morgan Stanley, and several prominent law firms who will share their best practices for embracing diversity and flexibility and the value they bring to their organizations. Human Resources executives, Diversity & Inclusion professionals, management, and anyone interested in learning more about the benefits of diversity and flexibility are invited to attend. More information and registration details can be found here.
“Our annual conference brings together professionals from the legal, corporate, financial, and consulting industries who share advice on flexibility and diversity initiatives,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “We are proud to welcome John Veihmeyer and other leaders who are trendsetters in diversity and flexibility and are integral to this evolution of cultural change in the workplace.”
Diversity & Flexibility Alliance To Recognize Booz Allen Hamilton Executive As Flex Leader
Award to be Presented at Annual Conference
WASHINGTON, DC, February 27, 2017 — The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance (the “Alliance”) today announced that Nancy Laben, Chief Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary and Executive Vice President of Booz Allen Hamilton will receive its 2017 Flex Leader Award. The Flex Leader Award recognizes an executive who is moving his or her organization toward a more inclusive workplace through holistic flexibility. The Award will be presented on March 16, 2017 at the Alliance’s annual conference, Diversity + Flexibility = An Evolving Culture, in Washington, DC. Registration is available here.
“We are proud to honor Nancy Laben as our 2017 Flex Leader for her tireless efforts to create a culture that truly supports flexible work at Booz Allen Hamilton,” said Manar Morales, President and CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “Nancy clearly leads by example as she works remotely, finds time for family, and has relocated to an office closer to her home to reduce commute time. More importantly, she offers her team the same opportunities to find balance in their schedules.”
Ms. Laben has been a strong supporter of a Booz Allen Hamilton program created to provide employees with greater flexibility in where, when, and how they work. The program was initiated about six years ago in response to the high level of traffic congestion in the Washington, DC area, combined with the desire to recruit and retain the best talent. Workspaces were redesigned to be a more collaborative space and employees are encouraged to limit their commute time and work from an office close to their homes when their client work allows. Flexible work schedules are encouraged, and it is a cultural norm in which flexible schedules are supported and not a detriment to employees’ careers.