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Mid-tier sheds light on flexible working policy
An Australian mid-tier has offered an insight into its flexible working policy, revealing how its format has ensured it retains valued employees.
Emma Musgrave
Speaking to Lawyers Weekly, Piper Alderman partner Tim Capelin said that, like many organisations, the firm has a flexible work policy. Although, different to other organisations, he explained the firm doesn't apply a specific formula for granting requests for flexibility, with requests considered on a case-by-case basis to determine whether the employee will have their needs met without compromising client service.
By way of example, Mr Capelin pointed to associate Amrita Howell, who has recently taken up a flexible working arrangement.
“Around 15 months ago I came into the office of my supervising partner, Tim Capelin, to tell him that I had to resign,” Ms Howell said.
"When Tim asked why, I informed him that I was moving to Newcastle and felt I had no choice but to resign as I would be unable to commute to Sydney every day."
After an open discussion between Ms Howell and the firm, it was decided that Ms Howell would undertake a flexible working arrangement, which sees her work from home three days per week and attend the office two days per week. The days themselves vary, depending on meetings, court dates and other commitments.
“It took some getting used to; we are a team that wanders into each other’s offices as the need arises, but the team soon adapted. Amrita remains an indispensable member of the team,” Mr Capelin said.
Though this is one of many examples that operate in the firm, he noted. For example, special counsel Ben Motro commences work earlier on one day per week, so that he can leave early to accommodate his parental responsibilities.
“With capital city congestion getting worse and housing prices meaning people are likely to live well outside of CBDs, we don’t see the demand for flexible work arrangements diminishing,” Mr Capelin said.
“Indeed, unless you are considering these arrangements and appropriately implementing them, you won’t be able to attract and retain high-quality staff and client service will diminish!”
Emma Musgrave
Emma Musgrave (née Ryan) is the managing editor, professional services at Momentum Media.
Emma has worked for Momentum Media since 2015, including five years spent as the editor of the company's legal brand - Lawyers Weekly. Throughout her time at Momentum, she has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest stories in corporate Australia. In addition, she has produced exclusive multimedia and event content related to the company's respective brands and audiences.
Prior to joining Momentum Media, Emma worked in breakfast radio, delivering news to the Central West region of NSW, before taking on a radio journalist role at Southern Cross Austereo, based in Townsville, North Queensland.
She holds a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree from Charles Sturt University.
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