According to the latest Bellwether research paper, two thirds of respondents currently experience high levels of stress, with one quarter experiencing levels that they classify as ‘extreme’ or ‘very high’.
The report, ‘Stress in the Legal Profession: Problematic or Inevitable’, is due to be published by LexisNexis UK next week. It is compiled from a survey of 176 solicitors across England and Wales and eight in-depth interviews with lawyers in small firms and small offices of larger firms.
Generally, lawyers tend to just carry on―three-quarters of respondents feel that while stress is a major issue, there is a sense of confusion and resignation about it. Moreover, the majority, 55% of solicitors, believe enough is being done.
This stoic approach is shown by the fact four in five solicitors report high levels of job satisfaction and one in two consider they have a positive state of mind. Some 39% of respondents say they feel in control and 30% classify their stress levels as ‘average’.
However, one in four solicitors believe more could be done to support them in the workplace.
Small firms appear to be taking the lead in tackling stress at work. Some 62% of those surveyed believe small firms are better than larger firms at fostering an environment of support and culture of wellbeing. This is because smaller firms are more likely to offer flexible working, a better work/life balance and more agile working practices. 92% of respondents believed that small firms offered a range of benefits including: the ability to remain in control; agility; a common ethos; and better client experience.
Jon Whittle, Market Development Director, LexisNexis UK, said: ‘We found a robust, optimistic profession which continues to believe that hard work pays off in a bright successful future.
‘Last year the government positioned the law as a professional occupation with the highest levels of work-related stress, depression and anxiety which we believe is cause for concern. It’s important to understand that while the future looks bright there are shadows at work.’
To access the report please visit www.lexisnexis.co.uk/stress.
