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Progressive Workplace Accommodating

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By: Tracy S. Morehouse

Times are changing and like other progressive businesses, law firms and attorneys are responding.I have been an attorney with Tiffany & Bosco since 1999 and a partner since early 2005.In 2003, I gave birth to beautiful twin girls.After a few months for maternity leave, I returned to work full-time.From August 2003 to September 2007, I went through several phases of cutting back work hours to accommodate both motherhood and my professional career.In September 2007, with my daughters in preschool and looking forward to kindergarten the next fall, I realized that I had to spend more time with my girls as they seemed to want and need it (as did I).

Not wishing to leave Tiffany & Bosco, my goal was to find a successful resolution.After spending weeks going through various approaches in my mind as to how I could remain fully committed to my clients and other attorneys in the firm with whom I work yet spend more time with my daughters, I approached the management committee of the firm with a suggestion.I proposed the idea of telecommuting, performing most of my work from home through electronic means, such as scanning and emailing.This meant that I could reduce travel significantly and spend more time with my family.

The firm was very receptive.It readily recognized the need to put a system into place whereby people in my or similar situations could remain as viable and important members of the firm and yet create more time for family or other particular needs.Through a series of meetings, we reached a workable solution that truly is mutually beneficial for both the firm and me.

Since October 2007, I have been working part-time, mostly from home, coming into the office as needed for client and firm meetings, and to pick up and drop off work and meet informally with attorneys. Both my family and professional lives have benefited tremendously.

I am (as are my daughters) grateful for the open-mindedness of my partners.Family does not need to suffer as a result of a professional career, nor vice versa.Businesses and working parents must keep open minds about the workforce and the growing need for alternative work schedules.I am thankful, truly, to my firm's commitment to me and my family.Like Tiffany & Bosco, businesses need to adapt to the growing demand for the accommodation of work schedules, for the mutual benefit of the workforce, workers, and their clients or customers.