Shoosmiths LLP

Mental health and wellbeing have always been key elements of Shoosmiths’ diversity and inclusion and wider People strategy. The firm has developed a UK network of Mental Health and Wellbeing Champions and resources to educate line managers and launched an online Wellbeing Hub. The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic gave the firm an opportunity to adapt its existing approach. Shoosmiths introduced a mental health and wellbeing plan shaped by employee feedback including lunchtime webinars following the themes of “Wellbeing Wednesday”, “Time To Talk Thursday” and “Fun Friday”.

They also launched a new approach to flexible working (based on an output not occupancy ethos) to support all employees to find better balance in their personal and professional lives. The intention of Shoosmiths’ cumulative actions over the past 18 months has been to improve the lives of colleagues at all levels by maintaining a working environment that is healthy, inclusive and balanced.