Scott Richards Solicitors leading the way in staff welfare

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The impact of Covid-19 has been wide and extensive on workforces across the United Kingdom.

Since 2020, there have been very few companies who have not been affected by short- or longer-term absence linked to the illness.

Each has had to adjust its policies to react to the demands of lockdown or furlough. Working from home has become a part of the weekly cycle of many businesses.

Whereas with some industries lockdown was accompanied by falling demand, in the legal industry many areas became busier and the demands grew.

At local solicitors, Scott Richards, the partners introduced a very proactive approach with staff welfare at its helm.

Scott Richards are now 100 years old and are well established across South Devon.

As they enter their second century, innovation is very much at the helm. In July last year, senior partner and managing partner, Paul and Jamie Dyson, introduced the concept of full-time staff, who were currently working five days, only being required to work four.

Critically, however, their salaries were to remain the same.

Speaking of the change, Jamie said: “We know that our people are our greatest assets and that they have undergone some turbulent and stressful times during the last couple of years.

“People have had to make lots of sacrifices and adjustments and we are very keen in advocating a work-life balance.

“There are no strings attached - our full-time staff are only required to work four days and our part-time staff are effectively paid more to ensure the impact is felt across the company.

“We knew we would have to take a financial hit by doing this but considered the long-time benefits to be worth that sacrifice."

Making the decision is one thing but the challenges of execution are significant.

The balance between giving staff their own work-life balance has to be weighed against continuing to provide excellent service in customer facing and service roles.

That Scott Richards have been able to achieve this is testimony to how their staff have embraced the changes.

A look at the company’s message boards will reveal a whole host of positive comments from happy staff.

Chris Wills, a partner who joined the business in 2020 and someone who has spent his career in an around the legal profession in South Devon, massively endorses the mood in the business about it.

He said: “The change has been truly transformational and embraced by all. It goes to show what can be achieved when innovation and vision are combined to do things differently, to lead from the front, but maintaining the hard work and commitment to our clients.”

It is not just in this area that Scott Richards are progressive. They are big supporters of the environment and are so intent on being a 'green company' that they even changed their logo and branding to that colour.

They are very keen to promote campaigns and activity that protects and maintains the beautiful Devon habitat we all take for granted.

Well done on the last 100 years, Scott Richards. With approaches like this, they can look forward to the next 100.

Scott Richards Solicitors have offices in Albany Street, Newton Abbot, and Regent Street, Teignmouth. Visit www.scottrichards.co.uk, email law@scottrichards.co.uk or call 01626 772441