Designing Better Futures
The rapid adoption of new technologies is driving change. The majority (66%) of firms expect to increase spend on technology to support a more flexible working environment, with IT security and networking capabilities being the top priorities.* “The pandemic accelerated digital transformation,” says Bujak. “No longer dependent on paper and desktop computers, mobile technology allows people to work anywhere.”
According to a 2022 Steelcase study, the majority of law practitioners in the U.S. and Canada are working in the office three or more days a week (among the highest, compared to other industries), and they say they are coming in to collaborate and connect with others. Those who come in two days or less also cite collaboration as their top reason, but also rank social activities very high.
Law offices need to ensure spaces are optimized for all these activities and accommodate new work behaviors, says Bujak. “It’s no longer enough to just have an impressive office for clients. Law firms need to create nurturing experiences for people that feel more human.” This shift from status to performance has firms looking more inwardly towards their employees and exploring how space can enhance wellbeing and work performance.
Inclusion
All voices should be part of the conversation to identify everyone’s needs and design spaces that support unique work processes.
Flexibility
New talent is attracted by flexible work schedules and the ability to work and connect in different locations which requires more flexible space, tools and technology.
Wellbeing
Emerging values require a nurturing work experience that is regenerative. People expect to feel better after a day at work and they need spaces where this can happen.
This central hub is new for most law offices. Ideally situated in a prominent location, it’s designed to bring people together, nurture culture, provide an authentic view into the firm while demonstrating to clients a high level of professionalism. This high-performing space supports mobile technology and is meant to be used by everyone to get work done, meet with peers, regenerate and host community-building events.
Hybrid work has changed the purpose of the private office. Previously designed mostly for focus work, private offices now need to support multiple work modes and enable people to seamlessly shift between focus and collaboration, host both in-person and remote colleagues, express their personal brand and personality, and provide storage.
Traditionally designed to project prestige, now the Conference Center needs to act as a high-performing multifunctional space that supports relationship building. Flexible furniture and technology create spaces that support hybrid work, meetings, training sessions and community events, while still reflecting the firm’s brand.
The pandemic catalyzed the use of video conference technology to interact with the court system. The Virtual Courtroom allows legal professionals to connect virtually to live court proceedings and fully participate by creating a more equitable experience for everyone.
As partners recognize a greater need to nurture and support their employees’ wellbeing, Wellness Hubs have started to emerge in law offices. These destinations provide a naturally-calming environment for both the body and mind to help people do their best work. Diverse settings (both open and enclosed, range of seating options, etc.) reflecting the specific needs for employees’ wellbeing support inclusion and psychological safety.
Director Workplace Design & Consulting EMEA
Steelcase
Steelcase WorkSpace Futures Researchers Patricia Kammer and Keith Bujak contributed to this study.