We knew, in the back of our minds, that our post-COVID work world would be very different than the one we left. Some firms are extending work-from-home policies, others are trying to make their spaces safer (office tents are for real, people), and now we’re hearing about a firm that is eschewing office space on a permanent basis.
According to a report from Law.com, Australia-based Slater and Gordon is saying goodbye to its London physical offices once its lease is up in September. That means all 200 of the firm’s London employees will transition to working from home for good, though Slater and Gordon said they may look for meeting space in London. Also the firm will provide extra screens or office furniture to those who need the equipment.
The firm’s chief executive, David Whitmore, had this to say about the change:
“Today we have announced to our staff that we won’t ever go back to how we worked before COVID.”
He added, “When we do look to return to our offices they won’t look like they used to and colleagues will be encouraged to continue working remotely for the majority of the time. Working smart is better for everyone.”
The firm has not made any announcements about office space in any of the firm’s other locations.
Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, and host of The Jabot podcast. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter (@Kathryn1).