Remote Work – Is it here to stay?

Though it is too early to tell what the majority of law firms are going to do in 2021, it is safe to assume that things have changed in some ways permanently.  Most firms we have surveyed have said that they anticipate some “return to normal working practices” but that it will look different, and likely be some sort of a hybrid situation, with possibly core hours, or staggered days, where people will come into the office, while still maintaining some remote work.  Firms are in no hurry to rush people back into the office, and are taking a “wait and see” approach and trying their best to formulate the safest and most efficient plans for a return to work.  All firms are following safety protocols and those that are working in-office are doing so with social distancing, masks and a staggered schedule with individual spaces/offices being utilized.  Though it is impossible to say with certainty what the landscape will be as restrictions are further lifted and we see a return to “normalcy” it is very likely that we will see significant and lasting changes to how firms and their employees work.