The business case for wellbeing in the legal profession
Our recent panel discussion in Birmingham brought together Emma Pioli, Chair, Gowling WLG, Richard Martin, CEO, Mindful Business Charter and Abbie Evans, Associate, Gowling WLG, to explore strategies that HR professionals can employ to improve wellbeing in law firms.
Why wellbeing matters more than ever
The legal sector has long been associated with high-pressure environments, but recent data paints an increasingly stark picture. As Richard noted, “The average wellbeing score for Lawyers globally was 51 – below the threshold where the WHO recommends psychiatric assessment.” This is not just a moral issue – it’s a business-critical one.
In April, a white paper on the business case for wellbeing consolidated years of fragmented research into one compelling narrative: poor mental health is costing law firms significantly, both financially and operationally. The evidence is clear: wellbeing is not a “nice to have”; it’s a strategic imperative.
The cost of ignoring mental health
“Highly stressed employees are 11 times more likely to make mistakes,” Richard explained, which means that errors don’t just affect client relationships – they drive up professional indemnity claims and insurance costs. Stress also fuels absenteeism, presenteeism and attrition. Research cited during the session suggests that poor mental health costs US law firms over 10% of their annual salary bill, with a similar figure likely in the UK.
Perhaps most concerning is the human toll. As Richard highlighted “Lawyers are twice as likely to contemplate suicide as the general population, and 15% of us know someone who has taken their own life in the last ten years.” Alarmingly, more recent surveys suggest this figure has risen further.
Why traditional interventions fall short
Many firms have invested in wellbeing initiatives such as apps, yoga sessions and resilience training – but the data suggests these have limited impact. Oxford University research, referenced in the discussion, found that such universal interventions rarely move the needle on overall wellbeing. Instead, systemic change is key.
Richard explains, “If your wellbeing strategy is not identifying and reducing the causes of the problem, you’re not going to have an adequate practical solution.” This means addressing structural drivers of stress, such as unrealistic workloads, unclear expectations, and cultural norms that reward overwork.
Leadership and culture: the real differentiators
The panel agreed that leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping a mentally healthy culture. Emma, speaking from a leadership perspective, stressed the importance of authenticity: “It doesn’t matter how brilliant your wellbeing strategy is if people aren’t prepared to speak up without fear of consequences.” Role modelling, open conversations and visible support for flexible working were cited as practical steps leaders can take.
Practical HR levers for a healthy culture
Beyond role modelling, HR can support the shift by embedding wellbeing into everyday management practices. This includes setting clear and realistic expectations, encouraging regular check-ins that go beyond workload to cover wellbeing and creating space for honest conversations without fear of judgment.
Leaders can also champion predictable downtime and flexible working patterns that maintain team connection, helping to reduce the “always-on” pressure. Recognising and rewarding behaviours that support psychological safety – such as transparency, empathy and collaborative problem-solving – further signals that wellbeing is a shared responsibility, not an optional extra. Research consistently shows that leadership behaviours fostering psychological safety significantly improve team performance and employee wellbeing.
Looking ahead
The message is clear: wellbeing is a performance issue. Firms that prioritise it not only reduce risk but also unlock productivity, engagement, and retention. As Richard concluded, “Companies rated highly by their employees as good places to work outperform the market by 57% over ten years.” For law firms navigating an increasingly competitive landscape, investing in wellbeing isn’t optional – it’s essential.
