Kennedys implementing hybrid working

Kennedys is implementing a hybrid working policy which will allow people to work from home up to 40% of the time.

The policy will see the firm introduce further flexibility in working hours for everyone globally, tailored to different jurisdictions, with a view to promoting a sustainable work-life balance.

Prior to the pandemic, the firm was already exploring a workplace transformation project, examining how our offices would operate in the future. This first stage has been expedited in response to the lessons learned during the pandemic.

As part of the project, we conducted a global survey to canvas views from across all of its 43 offices and 2,250 people with a staggering 72% response rate, and held over 50 workshops which were attended by over 1,000 employees to further understand what people wanted to do moving forwards.

Caroline Wilson, Global HR Director at Kennedys, is leading the firm’s hybrid working programme. She says: “It was helpful that we had already introduced some flexibility prior to the pandemic, and I am pleased that we have been able to accelerate our plans with this next step. We can’t service our clients’ requirements without our people and so it is crucial we create a hybrid working policy that will adapt to allow everyone to work at their optimum level”

The hybrid working policy was introduced on 1 May and applies to everyone whose work does not require them to be office-based. New joiners and those at the early stages of their career will, in the first instance, work from home for up to 20% of the time.

Suzanne Liversidge, Managing Partner at Kennedys, says: “Our engagement levels have been exceptionally high on this project, and for that I would like to thank all of our colleagues across the globe. Without their valuable perspectives, we would not be able to adapt, change and grow in response to the world around us. I’d also like to thank them all for their amazing work during such a tumultuous period.”

Nick Thomas, Senior Partner of Kennedys, says: “Our global growth can only progress by ensuring our people have the best working environment from which to support our clients. In pursuit of our workplace transformation project, we have also undertaken research amongst our clients to ensure our working patterns continue to best support their needs.”

During the pandemic, Kennedys has continued to grow and has opened four new offices in San Francisco, Tel Aviv, Leeds and in Perth, Australia. In May, it announced the promotion of ten lawyers to its partnership, taking Kennedys’ worldwide partner count to 280.