In recognition of the companies who really do go the extra mile for working families, we profile five of the best in a special weeklong series. Today it is the turn of international law firm Mayer Brown.
Name: Mayer Brown
Sector: private
Number of employees: 502
Nominated for: best for career progression for flexible workers
What it does: The firm consciously steers away from a "one size fits all" approach when it comes to the practical implementation of flexible working. They understand that work-life balance means different things to different people, and can change over the course of an individual's career.
Mayer Brown views the attraction and retention of a diverse and talented workforce as central to its ambition of becoming a leading international law firm. The core tenants of its people strategy are engagement, personal development and the provision of a reward strategy tailored to individual requirements.
Why it does it: In 2009, one of the firm's female senior associates returned from her first maternity leave to work 4 days per week. Shortly afterwards she was promoted to "Of Counsel" and, following her second period of maternity leave, returned to work earlier this year, again on a flexible basis.
She said: "Flexible working enables me to work in a way which suits my personal circumstances. I get to spend quality time with my young children but also feel I am progressing professionally in a role which really challenges and interests me."
Mayer Brown recognises the importance of building a pipeline of talent for the future and the firm is putting in place flexible arrangements which enable individuals to continue their professional progress.
In 2012 the firm introduced its first job share, which has worked well. With 20% of their people currently working in some form of formal flexible arrangement, flexibility and career progression are inextricably embedded in the future of the firm.
