YOU WON'T SEE solicitors at Cripps Harries Hall burning the midnight oil. Unusually for a law firm, there isn't a culture of long hours at its practices in Tunbridge Wells and London, with most people working within the core hours of 8am to 6pm. Employees feel they aren't spending too much time a the office (a 61% positive score). "Work-life balance is important and this is an environment that encourages people to have a happy family life outside of work," says one employee. Staff don't feel under too much pressure to perform well (74%), deadlines are realistic (71%, ranking the company 25th) and people are able to strike the right balance between their work and home lives (67%). Perks also focus on boosting staff's wellbeing. The company has started running health and wellbeing seminars, advising on issues such as weight loss, diet and nutrition and stress. A score of 74% shows that employees haven't felt stressed in the past year because of their jobs. The maternity package includes six weeks' leave on full pay, as well as 10 keep in touch days, childcare vouchers and an IT refresher course on return to the office. Extending the emphasis of having a life outside work, last year 75 employees took advantage of the firm's offer of spending a day a year volunteering, while still being paid. Keen painters and gardeners have helped out local charities, staff help schoolchildren learn to read, and residents at the local Leonard Cheshire Disability home were treated to staff's carol singing. The firm also takes on pro-bono legal work. Through raffles, dragon boat racing and a Cripps Got Talent event, about £10,000 was raised for Kent Air Ambulance. Staff recognise their employer does a lot for the community (a 67% score ranks the firm 22nd) and they say this support for worthy causes isn't motivated by a desire for good publicity (60%). www.crippslaw.com
