Why Your Firm Should Throw a Valentine’s Day Party

In these evolving and uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to create a positive and cohesive office culture.

A team that plays together stays together. And it’s more productive.

So how about throwing a Valentine’s Day party?

Invite all staff members and their partners/significant others. Knock off work at noon and have fun. Decorate the break room, put on music, enjoy sweet treats. Ask everyone to write on the back of a Valentine’s card three things they love about their job (do it anonymously if you prefer). If you’re feeling really bold, ask them to also suggest one positive change they’d love to make in the office 

If you’re still practicing remotely, no problem: have the party on Zoom. The point is to enjoy each other’s company. That builds familiarity and trust. And by asking team members to share their feelings and offer constructive suggestions, you’re demonstrating empathy and openness. 

Have you checked out Lawyers Mutual Consulting & Services? Founded by Camille Stell, who also serves as president, LMCS is a subsidiary of Lawyers Mutual. Its mission is to help firms build a modern law practice. It does that by offering expert advice and assistance into law firm trends and best practices. Camille and LMCS helps lawyers and firms create strategic plans and succession plans. A popular speaker and writer, Camille loves to guide lawyers through succession planning and into Life after Law. Contact her today.

Five Easy Ways to Improve Your Office Culture

Here are some other recommendations for boosting team morale:

1. Give your team small gifts. A personalized coffee mug, mouse pad, hand-written note, or gift card for yoga lessons will cost a few dollars but yield great dividends.
2. Watch a movie together. You can do this in person or remotely, then talk about it afterwards. Don’t forget the popcorn.
3. Be flexible with work schedules. “Even though your employees are back in the office, they may not be fully reacclimated to the 9-to-5 schedule,” says business writer Jamie Johnson in this post for CO. “In the first weeks and months back in the office, it's important to be flexible with time management and scheduling needs.” Pro tip: encourage water-cooler conversations (if only virtually) and other ways for employees to socialize, compare notes, and get re-acquainted.
4. Do a team-building exercise. It doesn’t have to be a ropes course or talent show. Use your imagination. It can be actual exercise (a group hike in the park) or just pure fun (bring your pet to the next Zoom staff meeting).
5. Solicit feedback from team members. “This is a time of change for everyone, and things will be different than they were before the pandemic,” writes Johnson. “Maintain an open-door policy and use surveys to see what people want modified in terms of scheduling, office layout and more. You might be surprised how helpful your employees can be when it comes to making your office a more enjoyable place to be.”

Source: US Chamber of Commerce CO

Have you checked out Lawyers Mutual Consulting & Services? Founded by Camille Stell, who also serves as president, LMCS is a subsidiary of Lawyers Mutual. Its mission is to help firms build a modern law practice. It does that by offering expert advice and assistance into law firm trends and best practices. Camille and LMCS helps lawyers and firms create strategic plans and succession plans. A popular speaker and writer, Camille loves to guide lawyers through succession planning and into Life after Law. Contact her today.