Ms Fulford drew on Paul Horvath’s comments around mental health in her welcome address as published in the Law Institute Journal, April 2021.

“……Part of the rationale for addressing these issues could be that employers are exposing themselves to liability if they neglect employee mental health.  Employment Lawyer Paul Horvath says that while a certain amount of stress is acceptable in the workplace, there is a fine line between being driven and inspired by stressors, and finding oneself dragged down by a high pressure environment including, he says “long hours, the pressure to meet billables and generate business for the firm, tight (and often unexpected) deadlines, an unbalanced workload, the pressure to deliver the best outcome to our clients no matter the circumstances and rapidly changing technologies (made evident by the pandemic)”.

Employers and managers must be the drivers of cultural change within their workplace, Mr Horvath says.  “Those that ignore this issue face significant risks of breaching legislation, duty of care and company policies, and a demotivated workforce in the long term.””

For Paul’s full article please click here.

This information is general only and is not to be taken as legal advice with respect to your specific circumstances. Should you require advice specific to your circumstances, please contact the team at PH Solicitor at admin@phsolicitor.com.au or by phone on (03) 9642 0435.

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It has been a trying and tumultuous year for us all, and in an industry already laden with stress, it is crucial that we take the time to speak about mental health and wellbeing in the legal profession.

The risks of not doing so are evident. Consequences include high employee turnover; increased presenteeism, use sick leave and personal leave; increases in WorkCover and general protections applications against employers, among others.

The goal is to create workplace and industry cultures which are supportive of mental health and wellbeing. When people feel supported and valued at work, the quality of their work and their engagement increases. This can only benefit our colleagues, our clients and our profession.

We offer practical advice to firms and organisations on steps that they can take to improve wellbeing in their workplaces, regardless of their size or available resources.

Often, all it takes is a conversation to make a difference. We hope to be part of starting that conversation, and supporting others in doing the same in their workplaces.

Click on the article picture below to read the full resource.

The post Let’s talk Mental Health and wellbeing in the Legal Profession appeared first on PH Solicitor.