The law industry, like many others, has seen a shift. Over 44% of law firms allowed some form of remote working in 2021, and the trend has increased. However, most law firms haven’t transitioned into full remote work, and for a good reason.
Recent studies have found solid reasons why people continue to go to the office. These reasons are timeless, which suggests that there will always be a need for a physical workplace environment where employees can interact and align their collective efforts.
Why do people come to the office?
A study made by Kadence, a technology company in the UK, found that even when companies implemented a “come as you want” policy, employees decided to go to the office. Most people wanted to skip Fridays and some Mondays, but most people would willingly go on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Chart from Kandence.co
So why do employees continue going to the office, even when it’s not required by their bosses? There are 3 good (and timeless) reasons we have found.
Reason #1: Camaraderie
A recent article in Harvard Business Review stated “To Get People Back in the Office, Make It Social.” After the pandemic forced many law firms to shut down their offices, people required a compelling reason to go back to the office beyond company expectations. So, when employees were asked what would motivate them to come into the office, almost everyone agreed: To socialize.
Socializing is much more than having coffee (which we love, by the way). Humans are social creatures that require connection and interaction to feel engaged, motivated, and do our best work. The workplace is a breeding ground for new friendships and meaningful relationships, which becomes a support system that empowers workers to tackle new challenges.
At Amata, we organize frequent networking events where you get to meet professionals from other industries, from accountants to financial advisors, marketing professionals, and HR firms. This can lead to new clients, referrals, joint ventures, and friendships. We also organize monthly meetings where you can expand your network and business opportunities.
Camaraderie also goes beyond colleagues and employees. In the legal profession, there is also an important link that is created between lawyers and clients. This connection is harder to develop without face-to-face interactions, where we can pick up thousands of unconscious patterns in one another and conclude whether someone is trustworthy or not.
Work is not only something people do, it is a place where they go. And the reason why they go to this place is not just the facilities, it is unplanned and meaningful interactions with other people.
This was confirmed by Harvard’s Business Review article, which found the following stats:
- 85% of employees would be motivated to go into the office to rebuild team bonds.
- 84% of employees would be motivated to go into the office if they could socialize with coworkers.
- 74% of employees would go to the office more frequently if they knew their “work friends” were there.
- 73% of employees would go to the office more frequently if they knew their direct team members would be there.
In sum, people care about people, and social interactions go beyond “entertaining” employees: It is a crucial factor for energizing, fulfilling, and motivating them to do their best work. It creates a sense of belonging that is hard to replicate online.
Reason #2: Focus
Humans have always built dedicated spaces for their activities. We have a place to exercise, a place to eat, and a place to work. Thus, it doesn’t come as a surprise that employees continue going to the office because they want a dedicated space where they can focus and get their work done efficiently.
In a research done by Gensler, 2,000 U.S. office employees said the top reason they come to the office is “to focus on my work.” Many employees are not equipped to work efficiently at home, and they prefer to commute somewhere without distractions.
At Amata offices, workstations are strategically placed to make sure you have easy access to your team, while having your own quiet and confidential environment. Walking down the aisle you will find cabinets with easy-to-retrieve documents. Sanitation stations and bathrooms are also found throughout the facilities.
In sum, we create an environment where you can both deepen your relationships and do your best work. Click here to learn how we do it.
Reason #3: Innovation
The American author Jane Jacobs describes in her book “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” how people require proximity to thrive. The workplace is a hub for connection, collaboration, and innovation. It is a place where the best ideas can flourish, and teamwork can make them real.
There is a reason why the world’s biggest tech companies have grown out of Silicon Valley, or that Florence was a hub of art in the Renaissance. When people with similar interests and complementary skills get together, accelerated growth occurs. And since innovation has been a key component of Amata’s success, we have optimized our offices to foster that innovation.
With Amata growing a business doesn’t have to be lonely. Our physical offices are designed to promote your very best work, where collaboration and innovation can flourish. With a combination of private offices, strategically placed workstations and networking events, law firms and professional service firms can focus on client service while everything is taken care of for them.
By becoming a member of Amata’s professional community, you gain access to a thriving network of over 800 diverse professionals, opening doors to new partnerships, innovation, and business opportunities.
You’ll also unlock all-around support services that grow as you do, including flexible workspace solutions, on-site support staff, and professional conference rooms.
Join Amata today and access “all-in-one” offices that promote camaraderie, focused work, and innovation. You’ll unlock the thriving network, professional offices, and on-demand staff to propel your business to the next level.
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