Profession embraces world first protocols

One year on, Australasian Lawyer takes a look at the success of the Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation’s psychological wellbeing guidelines for the legal profession.

One year on, Australasian Lawyer takes a look at the success of the Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation’s psychological wellbeing guidelines for the legal profession.

Twelve months ago, the Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation introduced a list of best practice guidelines, aimed at promoting psychological wellbeing in legal workplaces. 

“The Guidelines allow employers to effectively assess and address the 13 workplace factors known to have a powerful impact on organisational health, the health of individual employees, and the financial bottom line,” said Jeremy Hyman, TJMF board member and chair of the guidelines committee.

The factors covered by the protocols include employee engagement, workload management, psychological and social support, work life balance, and organisational culture. 

In the guidelines’ first year, over 100 firms and legal employers have signed up, committing to maintaining psychologically healthy and supportive workplaces. Signatories to the guidelines range from major firms to sole practitioners, in-house legal teams at major corporations to community legal centres, law faculties to law students’ societies.

For Hyman, the response from employers has been, “Nothing short of incredible. In less than one year, to have over 100 signatories that comprise all corners of the legal profession is way beyond our expectations.”

According to Hyman, the guidelines are about fostering and sharing ideas. “There isn’t an end point and no one is casting judgement,” he said.  “It is all about supporting anything positive that is occurring and sharing ideas.  We won’t cure debilitating anxiety and depression, but we can make a real difference in the workplace for those susceptible.  We are already seeing so many positive developments, firms are doing great things.”

Visit the Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation website for more resources and information about the guidelines.
 

Recent articles & video

Allens assists Seraya Partners with landmark acquisition of ASX lister

Law Council of Australia, ACT Bar call out underfunding in legal aid sector

NSW Law Soc, LexisNexis team up on AI Glossary

Report recommends US federal courts award monetary damages for workplace misconduct

Report highlights racial challenges faced by South Asian partners in the UK

Michael Best & Friedrich enters California market by absorbing Los Angeles law firm

Most Read Articles

Revealing the top influencers in Australia’s legal profession for 2024

HSF helps consortium wth Ulinda Park BESS project financing

Federal Court fines employer for failing to issue payslips

Lander & Rogers brings in digital economy practice head