The legal sector’s rapid adoption of flexible workplace policies, such as remote working, seems to be reversing. Previously, a growing number of law firms were seen to be fully and permanently embracing work-from-home strategies. However, the interpretation of hybrid work arrangements is evolving from “office optional” to a requirement of spending two days, and in some cases, up to four days in the office every week.
Despite widespread implementation of Return-to-Office (RTO) policies, a majority of attorneys are not fully adhering to them. A survey conducted by Forrest Solutions earlier this year demonstrated this trend. The results showed that while 93% of law firms had established RTO policies, approximately 94% of attorneys were not complying fully. Thus, law firms with a policy of requiring lawyers to spend 2-3 days in office each week were only seeing an average of 1-2 office days per attorney.
It appears that law firms are now reinforcing their policies with stricter measures, indicating a shift in work culture and escalating the need for compliance.