Are Law Firms redesigning their office space for hybrid work? Per this article from Gensler, maybe.

Certainly, they are planning more meeting/gathering spaces with smaller more uniform offices, but are attorneys willing to give up or share their private offices? I think the jury is still out on this one.

What do you think?

Rethinking Law Firm Workplaces in the Age of Hybrid Work

By Carlos Posada

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared on Law.com.

Although the debate on what the right balance and approach are continues, it is fair to say that hybrid working is here to stay. Embracing this transition in law firms has required a lot of thought, given the nature of their highly confidential and focused work. We also know how crucial mentorship and firm culture are to the business and ecosystem of today’s law firms, so creating places that people want to work in is more important than ever. As we increasingly look at design and the built environment through the lens of sustainability and social consciousness, it seems competing interests are emerging that are creating tensions in the design of law firm workplaces.

One of the universal issues we face is the climate crisis. As we collectively consider how to reduce our carbon footprints, the decision to rethink the purpose, and therefore layout, of our offices has become urgent. It is important we explore the challenges and opportunities law firms face in finding the right balance between their sustainability goals, employee well-being, and business opportunities where employees can thrive and do their best work.

Currently, data is showing that European office occupancy is averaging 50% with midweek peaks of 65%. The feedback we have received from lawyers is that they often feel isolated in their assigned offices and question the benefit of commuting in when there is a lack of buzz, energy, and even interaction with their colleagues.