Nick Gallagher
As the May Mental Health Awareness Week approaches, The Solicitors’ Charity partner, Lawsight, is supporting the call for more tangible action on wellbeing in law. It is recommending practical steps that can be implemented to help protect people’s wellbeing at work.
Satpal Kaur-Thompson, Co-Founder of Lawsight (pictured left) says: “The impact isn’t just personal. Long-term pressure reshapes the brain and nervous system, affecting concentration, decision-making and emotional regulation.
In other words, sustained pressure affects the very skills the profession depends on. So, this isn’t just a wellbeing issue – it’s also a performance and risk issue for firms and other types of organisations employing legal professionals.”
Claire Jacques, Co-Founder of Lawsight (pictured right), is urging employers and leaders to take action and personal responsibility for their own and others’ wellbeing by implementing these four simple actions:
“Pause before sending a late-night email and think about the disruption that might cause to someone’s personal space or sleep routine.
Model realistic expectations and boundaries as a leader, particularly on working hours and preserving a work-life balance.
Spot the signs of when stress (in yourself and others) and when it has become chronic over a long time period, and not just a one-off occurrence.
Create small moments of psychological safety in conversations (e.g. making time for open communication and framing of disappointments at work as learning opportunities).”
Nick Gallagher, CEO, The Solicitors’ Charity reflects: “We fully support Lawsight’s call for more individuals and leaders to look at behaviours which may affect wellbeing at work and take steps to make small changes that could make a big difference.
For those who need emotional support, we can offer funded assessments and, where recommended, therapy, for those who are eligible. We also work closely with LawCare who provide more immediate support via a helpline, live online chat, and email to all roles working in the law.”