Action Step – Remove Mixed Messages From Flexible Work Policies

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.

REMOVE MIXED MESSAGES FROM FLEXIBLE WORK POLICIES

It makes good business sense to have a policy that puts in writing the terms and conditions under which lawyers can work reduced or flexible hours – unless the policy contains negative messages that undermine your firm’s flexible work program. What sort of mixed messages? Here’s just one example of a grudging introductory paragraph that makes it clear that flexible work is not encouraged:

“Lawyers are expected to work full-time schedules as necessary to meet the needs of the Firm’s clients. The Firm will consider requests to work less than full-time, but such requests will not be routinely granted.”

For full details of this Action Step, become a member of the Alliance and access our Member Resource Center.