Workplace stress is endemic in the legal profession with many planning to leave, says new research.
Research from legal tech firm, Exizent , found more than a third (37%) of legal professionals have considered leaving their role due to poor mental health and wellbeing.
Meanwhile, more than half say workplace stress has impacted their mental health and wellbeing.
And, two in five say inefficient working practices and processes are among the primary causes of stress.
The survey of legal professionals was conducted to understand their experience of working both before and during the pandemic as the restrictions look as if they might continue.
Founder and CEO of Exizent Nick Cousins said it wasn’t a surprise that the legal profession was affected, as so many industries were affected by the pandemic. He said what was a surprise was how much of an impact it was having on both the home and working life:
“As many as 37% of respondents saying they have even considered quitting their jobs to try and relieve the stress they are under and protect their mental health and wellbeing. The research shows that there are a few key factors driving these issues, one of which is inefficient practices and a lack of investment in software.
Almost half told the tech firm their quality of work and service has suffered from being overworked and one fifth have had to take time off due to stress
Exizent says as the ‘Great Resignation’ rolls on, the results prove employee wellbeing and job satisfaction remain paramount in this new world of work.
Furthermore, more than half (56%) said stress at work has caused them to make mistakes, which has resulted in half of them admitting that these challenges and stresses have caused them to look for a new job.
The stress isn’t limited to work, two fifths (40%) of respondents said workplace challenges and stresses had a negative impact on their home or family life.
69 percent said they had trouble sleeping due to workplace stress and 39 percent said it had a negative impact on their physical health.
In response to the strains, 16 percent of legal professional said they wanted mental health support from their employers. They asked for HR teams to offer practical solutions to help ease the burden and relieve stress.
A huge 58 percent said if their employer hired more staff, it would improve their working life and wellbeing.
And around half said they needed better working practices and processes, with 35 percent calling for improved software.
Nick Cousins commented on this saying: “There is a huge opportunity here for legal firms to look at tech investment, because it will not only help improve efficiency, but also help improve wellbeing for their staff.”
Feyaza Khan has been a journalist for more than 20 years in print and broadcast. Her special interests include neurodiversity in the workplace, tech, diversity, trauma and wellbeing.
