17 Feb Redefining Remote Engagement with Technology

Prior to the last couple of years, attorney and legal staff engagement was practically unheard of when working in a remote or hybrid environment – let alone remote or hybrid work itself. Now that an increasing number of lawyers are learning to run their firms both in an office space and remotely, law firm leaders have had to come up with new ways to keep team members motivated and connected.

Remote employee engagement refers to the process of keeping employees connected and motivated as they work from home. Understanding what encourages attorneys and legal staff to be productive and what makes them feel valued is what opens the door to establishing a plan for engagement when employees are at home.

Technology has had a continued impact on the legal industry in recent years and is entering center stage in the remote engagement conversation. Lawyers must make decisions about the future of their law firms’ cultures in the aftermath of a global pandemic, and putting technology in the front seat is what leads many law firms to success.

Incorporating technology to drive engagement

Embracing the flexibility that virtual and hybrid work can offer lawyers is the first step law firm executives should take to drive their firms’ operational efficiencies and employee satisfaction. But there is much more to consider once that first step is taken, especially when it comes to incorporating technology into everyday work life.

If lawyers or legal staff feel that technology is hindering them from getting their work done, they will most likely be unhappy employees. Now that COVID-19 policies and practices are a part of everyday work life, more thought and effort can be put into how technology can make remote work easier and less problematic.

Some technology upgrades lawyers should consider investing in to help drive remote employee engagement include integrated phone systems, quick communication channels such as instant messaging platforms, and cloud-based case management systems so employees can access important information at their home office. Another opportunity to explore is the use of video meeting platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams, so employees still feel the face-to-face connection they would be getting in person.

Using technology to alleviate anxieties – and focus on the client

When lawyers are in the process of considering new technological investments and solutions, it’s common to be simultaneously anxious about the future of the firm in light of everything that has changed. But firms shouldn’t let those anxieties overshadow the benefits technology can have on maintaining engagement and morale.

Using avenues such as newsletters, email communications and an employee intranet are just a few options that keep employees connected in a remote environment. When employees feel connected with each other and valued by their leaders, this also allows for lawyers and legal staff to focus on the needs of the client.

With the burden of feeling under-valued or disengaged off their shoulders, employees are more likely to provide their best efforts and support to the firm’s clients. And when clients are receiving the time and attention they require, law firm revenue will soon follow suit.

Leaning on outside legal technology professionals

An all-inclusive company such as Lexicon can help law firms understand their engagement needs and areas of improvement to address. With an integrated, cloud-based software platform and a full suite of services, using an outside organization with experience in helping lawyers manage their operations allows law firms of all sizes to reach their potential and keep their employees happy.