Law Is A High Stress Profession: The Mindful Business Charter Can Help

Sharon Kravetsky, K.C., Practice Resource Coordinator, Law Society of Manitoba

Originally published in the Law Society of Manitoba Communique, January 2025. Republished with permission.

The practice of law is inherently stressful. Heavy workloads, relentless client demands and billable hour targets can take a toll. Helping clients can be emotionally draining and overtake our lives. Work/life balance can be elusive.

How does this relate to the MINDFUL BUSINESS CHARTER? Chronic stress impacts mental clarity and can lead to physical ills, mental health challenges, and burnout. How we interact with our team, our clients and our staff can make a big difference. It is more effective and easier to try to reduce unnecessary stress, than to deal with its aftermath. Integrating mindfulness in the way we practice law can lead to improved wellness, resiliency and productivity.

For sustainable success, well-being needs to be at the heart of business strategy because in order to perform well, you have to be well.

The Mindful Business Charter was developed in the UK by leading law firms together with their major corporate clients. Encompassing four guiding pillars, its aim is to reduce avoidable stress and promote a healthy, supportive and productive workplace.

The first and most important pillar is Openness and Respect. This builds trust and effective communication between colleagues and with clients. We can help protect everyone’s well-being by respecting each other’s lives and responsibilities, including times away from work. Regular check ins and feedback are part of ensuring that well-being remains key.

Smart Meetings and Communications. Meetings should be purposeful, and be attended only by those who need to be there. Methods of internal communications should be streamlined. Unnecessary communications and after-hours messages should be avoided.

Respect for Rest Periods. Recognize that work days end and respect time off. Clear boundaries around availability enhance the ability to rest and recharge and support work/life balance. No one can be on call 24/7, 365 days a year!

Mindful Delegation. Delegation should empower, not overwhelm. Instructions and expectations should be clear. Realistic deadlines should be discussed, rather than imposed. Thoughtful delegation both supports the recipient and leads to a better work product.

The well-being of lawyers and staff must be central to the workplace culture. Adopting these four guiding pillars can create a safe space for recognizing and discussing what may be causing stress, and will be the first steps in reducing it. A workplace that cares for the well-being of its members will boost morale and create a happier, healthier and more productive team.

We have more information on how to support the well-being of your colleagues and staff, and how to reduce the stress inherent in the practice of law. Watch An Introduction to the Mindful Business Charter on demand on the Law Society’s Education Centre. Promoting healthier workplaces is not only good for each of us, but it is good for business!