[1]Geary: old model ‘long hours equals better outcomes’ is broken
A Milton Keynes-headquartered law firm has introduced a 35-hour working week as part of a long-term plan to protect both people and profit.
James Geary, managing partner of EMW Law, brought in the cap – which applies to its 70 solicitors and 90 support staff – after concluding that the model of ‘more hours equal better output’ was broken.
Research carried out last year by LawCare, the mental health charity, found “a sector where people were at high risk of burnout”.
The move to a shorter working week, which has been trialled over the last two months, means the doors now close 30 minutes earlier at EMW’s offices in Milton Keynes, Northampton, Watford, London and Brighton.
The lawyers choose when and where they work their 35 hours. There is no set number of hours per day or days per week.
Mr Geary said: “The transactional nature of a lot of our work means that our teams often work way beyond normal office working hours anyway when work is busy, but they no longer feel guilty about clocking off earlier if work is quieter.”
The changes to the working week would not cap growth at EMW, he went on. “Nothing else changes. Client service is still critical. Quality is non-negotiable and standards are as high as ever. Aside from the positive vibes from the change, it’s very much been business as usual for us.”
The move to a 35-hour week has had “no impact at all” on client relationships or services, he added; indeed, a number of clients had already adopted a similar policy, so this has brought EMW more in line with how its clients operate.
Mr Geary said: “It’s entirely driven by client needs. If the job is done, then clear off. Without people, the business fails. And I think that professional services can overlook this.”
EMW has been a B Corp since 2024, committing the management team to work in new, sustainable ways which help protect its workers and the world around them.
Mr Geary said: “Let’s be honest, law isn’t getting easier. Clients aren’t getting less demanding. And high performance still matters. But the old equation – more hours equals better output – is broken.
“We’re backing something different. We value focus over presenteeism, energy over exhaustion and smarter working over longer working.
“We care about how people perform, not how long they sit at a desk. And for those already going the extra mile – and in our world, many do – this isn’t about asking for more; it’s about creating something more sustainable underneath.
“If you want a high-performing business long term, you need people who are still standing.”
Mr Geary, who joined EMW as a trainee and has led the firm since 2023, said the response from the team has been “universally positive”.
“The support staff are delighted at getting 30 minutes back each day, and the lawyers feel it gives them more flexibility.