Wellness
Challenge 2024
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE LEGAL
CULTURE IN MANITOBA
What We Learned
Stephanie Bauch
“Take a day where you don’t book appointments.”
Maria Mitousis
“Anyone who finds themselves in a leader position in a law firm whether it’s a small firm or large firm has to role model for their associates, for their partners, for the public.”
Tim Fry
“How you spend your life is really how you spend your time”
Our Goal
Empowering Wellness, Building Resilience: Manitoba Lawyers Unite for a Balanced Future!
Aimed at transforming the well-being of Manitoba lawyers. In our demanding profession, it’s easy to prioritize work over well-being, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction. This challenge is our proactive step towards building healthier cultures and addressing the primary causes of stress and imbalance in our profession
Weekly Challenges
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
your Wellness activities
Complete the Summer Wellness 2024 Survey (3 mins)
Set Boundaries/Work-Life Balance (5-10 mins)
- Dedicate one day next week exclusively to no meetings, you will use this time for work. Mark it on your calendar today.
- Schedule two days of vacation in the next three months for resetting and recharging. Schedule it and honour it!
Promote Mentorship and Inclusion (10-20 mins)
- Establish a new connection and set up a coffee date with someone in the legal community.
- Learn more about promoting diversity and inclusion with this suggested article.
- Send a gratitude email to someone you haven’t contacted recently or even a mentor.
Can you foster a sense of camaraderie and collaboration?
Reminder – make it work for you! Choose an alternative activity that allows you to focus on your well-being and engage in meaningful conversations about workplace culture.
BUILD A SUPPORTIVE WORK CULTURE
YOUR WELLNESS ACTIVITIES
Techno-Stress Relief (10 mins)
- Enjoy the weekend! Avoid emails July 13-14 to allow everyone to enjoy a weekend without feeling obligated to respond to emails.
- Avoid emails after 5:30 pm. Plan ahead.
Reason: Disconnecting allows your mind to recharge, improving focus, creativity, and overall performance when you return to work.
Remote Work (5 min)
- Choose one day to work from home and set a clear end time, such as stopping at 5:30 pm.
Reason: Flexible work arrangements and setting clear boundaries enhance work-life balance and productivity.
Cultivate Compassion (15 min)
- Engage in conversations with staff, articling students, or lawyers to deepen connections. Focus on topics that are not work-related.
Reason: Building stronger interpersonal connections fosters a supportive work environment and improves mental well-being.
Can you promote the importance of work-life balance?
Reminder – make it work for you! Choose an alternative activity that allows you to focus on your well-being and engage in meaningful conversations about workplace culture.
RAISE AWARENESS & FOSTER RESILIENCE
YOUR WELLNESS ACTIVITIES
Explore Resources (30 mins)
- Spend 15 minutes on the Law(yer) Strong website
- Spend 15 minutes on Manitoba Blue Cross Employment Assistance & Wellness Solutions.
- Recommended reading: “The Right Not To Remain Silent“.
Reason: Familiarizing yourself with available resources equips you to better support yourself and your colleagues, creating a more informed and resilient legal community.
Invite Participation (5 mins)
- Ask two colleagues to join you for physical exercise or volunteer work.
Reason: Engaging in physical activities or volunteer work together fosters stronger connections, reduces stress, and promotes a sense of community and support.
Crisis Prevention (10 mins)
- Learn about training opportunities at Law(yer) Strong to handle tough conversations. If you need help, explore resources from Klinic or call 9-8-8 for support.
Reason: Understanding how to navigate conversations about mental health and knowing where to seek help can save lives and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Can you encourage a more compassionate and informed legal practice to help your colleagues avoid burnout?
Reminder – make it work for you! Choose an alternative activity that allows you to focus on your well-being and engage in meaningful conversations about workplace culture.
ADOPT A GROWTH MINDSET
YOUR WELLNESS ACTIVITIES
Self-Reflection (15 mins)
- Reflect on how your tone and demeanor have been affected by stress levels. Consider changes in communication and interactions with colleagues to identify areas for improvement and maintain a positive environment.
- Reflect on the past 8 weeks to assess if the challenges reduced stress. Evaluate what worked and what didn’t. Set goals for continued wellness.
Reason: Understanding what strategies are effective helps maintain long-term well-being.
Professional Reflection (30 min)
- Identify skills, training, or policies that could enhance your workplace culture. Discuss with a partner or a colleague to explore ideas for improvement or alternative business models. Determine actions to drive meaningful change and who needs to be involved.
Reason: Continuous professional development and policy enhancement are crucial for a supportive work environment.
Work-Life Balance (5 min)
- Plan for the next holiday Monday as a day off. Refrain from sending any emails on that day.
Reason: Taking designated breaks helps maintain a healthy work-life balance and boosts productivity by reducing fatigue, enhancing focus, and preventing burnout.
Can you influence your work setting to prioritize both professional & personal responsibilities, leading to increased job satisfaction & retention?
Reminder – make it work for you! Choose an alternative activity that allows you to focus on your well-being and engage in meaningful conversations about workplace culture.
Wellness Challenge Tracker
Download this form and check off activities as you complete them to track your progress!
Towards a healthier, more balanced legal culture in Manitoba
