Survey: Four In 10 Lawyers Object To Workplace Stress

MENLO PARK, Calif., Nov. 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Helping legal professionals diminish job-related stress and improve work-life balance may be an employer's most effective retention strategy, a new survey indicates. Forty-two percent of attorneys interviewed by Robert Half Legal cited reduced stress levels as the one aspect of their job they would change, an 11-point increase since the survey was last conducted, in 2008. Fewer work hours followed, with 22 percent of the response, down eight points from the previous survey.

The survey points to the importance of personal time to balance the pressures of legal work. Nearly six in 10 lawyers (58 percent) said physical exercise is the best technique to alleviate stress. Taking a break ranked second, at 19 percent. These findings about work-related stress correlate with Robert Half's Work Happy research, in which legal professionals reported the highest stress levels among professional fields surveyed.

Lawyers were asked, "If you could change one aspect of your job as a lawyer, which one of the following would it be?" Their responses:

Lawyers were also asked, "Which one of the following activities is most effective for reducing job-related stress?" Their responses:*

"Unrelenting job stress and long hours can lead to staff attrition and productivity declines," said Jamy Sullivan, executive director of Robert Half Legal. "To address these issues and retain key talent, legal employers are offering flexible schedules, telecommuting and remote work options, as well as additional vacation days."

Sullivan added that many legal organizations also are enhancing on-site perks to help employees better balance work and personal demands, including subsidized gym memberships, back-up childcare, parking benefits and cafeteria meal plans.

About the Survey

The survey was developed by Robert Half Legal and conducted by an independent research firm. It is based on 200 telephone interviews of lawyers with law firms and companies in the United States.

About Robert Half Legal

Robert Half Legal is the premier provider of legal staffing and consulting solutions for law firms and corporate legal departments. With North American and global locations, Robert Half Legal provides a customized approach, including managed review, legal project management and eDiscovery services, to help organizations handle constantly changing workloads. The company offers in-demand expertise across practice areas, as well as highly skilled legal professionals on a temporary, project and full-time basis. More information about our full suite of legal staffing and consulting solutions can be found at roberthalflegal.com.  

SOURCE Robert Half Legal

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