THE ADVOCATE 551
VOL. 76 PART 4 JULY 2018
work with passion and purpose perform at consistently high levels, multiplying
their effectiveness and raising business outcomes.7
WHAT MAKES LAWYERS HAPPY?
Lawyers can do a variety of things at work to makes themselves happier.
These range from trying to do more of the kind of work they like and less
of what they do not like, to engaging in more pro bono work and to exploring
the prospects for greater autonomy.
Studies show that:
1) experiences of autonomy, including authenticity, relatedness to
others and competence, most strongly predict lawyer well-being;
and
2) autonomy-supportive supervision of lawyers in the workplace and
provision of understanding, respect and choices as opposed to control
also strongly predict well-being.8
LAW FIRMS MAKING HAPPIER LAWYERS
What can law firms do to make lawyers happier? Law firms are beginning
to understand that their primary resource is their lawyers, and if those
lawyers are unhappy, then many of them, particularly the talented ones
who have other options, will leave. In any given year law firms lose up to
twenty per cent of their associates. The economic cost to the law firms is
approximately twice the lawyer’s salary. This is compounded by the cost of
productivity loss, instability and a decline in morale. The converse is true
as well. When lawyers stay at their firms and stay satisfied, there is a positive
economic benefit to the firm.9 Some firms are recognizing the importance
of lawyer retention and are implementing specific policies and
programs designed to keep good lawyers. One of these adaptations is the
call for greater flexibility in billable hours, including reduced or balanced
hours. Large companies that have adopted flexible work policies have
demonstrated savings of tens of millions of dollars in diminished attrition
costs.10
CONCLUSION
What does all of this mean? In order to thrive we need to begin to savour
the moment and be grateful for all we have. Cultivate a happiness advantage
in your personal and professional life. Happiness at home and at work
is not just nice to have; it is essential.