Coinciding with Mental Health Month, Lander & Rogers has given its people bonus paid leave – reaffirming the firm’s focus on wellbeing.
According to chief executive partner Genevieve Collins, "due to COVID-19 restrictions and border closures, many of us haven't taken extended breaks. We want to encourage our people to take a well-earned rest, as well as recognise their continued dedication to the strong performance of the firm in the past two years."
Under the initiative coined “three long weekends”, employees have been encouraged to take three extra days of leave – one each in October, November and December – to catch up on rest and recuperation before the firm commences its annual two-week Christmas closure.
Earlier in the year, the firm also introduced an annual wellness day for people to use for rest, relaxation and other activities related to physical and mental wellbeing. All extra leave days are in addition to existing paid annual and personal leave entitlements.
Ms Collins, who has been driving the firm's wellness initiatives since she established Lander & Rogers' Wellness Committee almost 20 years ago, is also on the board of mental health charity, SANE Australia.
“I've always been personally interested in wellness. It's one thing to focus on preventative measures and another to keep people well and thriving,” said Ms Collins.
“Initiatives like Mental Health Month and RU OK? Day are critical in reducing stigma and normalising conversations about mental health and wellbeing. They remind us about the importance of self-care, and of the many initiatives and simple activities available to promote mental health.”
Lander & Rogers is recognised as an industry leader for its commitment to the wellbeing of its people. In 2019 the firm was awarded Wellness Initiative of the Year in the Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards and Excellence in Employee Health & Wellbeing in the Australasian Law Awards for its work with The Resilience Project to develop a holistic wellbeing program focused on building resilience and gratitude.
More information about Lander & Rogers' wellbeing initiatives can be found here.
