Nearly two-thirds of lawyers experience burnout: study
More than three in ten lawyers said they didn’t feel supported by their law firm | Work caseload and work-life balance have emerged as key concerns.
The majority of legal professionals have experienced burnout as a result of their workload, a new study has revealed. The annual report, Wellbeing in the law, was published by recruitment agency, Realm Recruit, earlier this month.
According to the survey of 200 lawyers, 62% of legal professionals had experienced burnout in the last 12 months.
Lack of support
Burnout is recognised by the World Health Organization and is defined as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.
It is characterised by three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and reduced professional efficacy.
More than a fifth of those surveyed said they often feel stressed at work, with the biggest sources being an unmanageable caseload (57%), work/life balance (42%), poor management (39%), unfair pay (32%), a lack of flexibility (27%) and a difficult commute (19%).
More than half (55%) said that their employer contributed fairly well or very well to their health or wellbeing; compared to 40% in 2021.
Yet only 28% of lawyers said they feel supported by their firm, with a further 30% saying they feel partly supported and 31% saying they didn’t feel supported.
Punishing workloads
Workload emerged as a key issue for lawyers, with 91% saying a more manageable caseload would be a top priority for them if they were to enter the jobs market.
While flexible working is no longer the top priority for lawyers looking to move, it’s still important, with 89% saying it helps them achieve a better work-life balance, and 79% saying it makes a workplace more inclusive.
Commenting on the findings, the report authors said: “Unfortunately, in the legal profession, traditionally characterised by punishing workloads and long hours, stress and poor mental health are common.
“In the last few years, as mental health has become an important issue more generally within society, law firms have invested more than ever in this area and have taken steps to look after their employees. Despite this progress, our research revealed that mental health issues remain prevalent.”
Similarly, WIPR’s annual diversity survey exposed IP’s mental health concerns in October. Nearly 90% of respondents said that people’s mental health had been adversely affected by COVID-19.
Of the 36% who said they had personally experienced issues, nearly half felt they had not received enough support at their firm or organisation or declined to comment. To find out more check out the digital edition of WIPR Diversity.
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