Global law firm Dechert LLP has announced it is offering every business services member of staff ‘A Day to Thrive’ – an extra day of leave that they can use however they like.
This year’s Day to Thrive follows its successful introduction in 2020 and links to the company’s THRIVE@Dechert wellbeing initiative, which promotes a healthy integration of work and personal life.
The day was launched in direct response to the global Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, but this year the extra paid day off will simply allow staff to take a leave day that they need when it best suits them, subject to line manager approval.
In an email announcing the return of the initiative, Andy Levander, chairman of Dechert, said: “Thank you for your contribution to the Dechert community. We’re grateful for your resilience and dedication in serving our clients and your colleagues.”
He added: “We’re all juggling work and life responsibilities, and throughout this time it’s important that we support each other and the community. We are giving you a paid ‘Day to Thrive’ to take care of your personal wellbeing.”
Speaking to www.employeebenefits.co.uk, Dechert’s chief talent and human resources officer Alison Bernard said: “While there are some optimistic signs on the horizon, we know that challenges posed by the Covid pandemic still abound.”
She added: “As such we want to support all of our people and their families. Dechert has a strong culture focused on community and wellbeing, and this initiative is one of many designed to support our people’s physical, mental and financial wellbeing.”
As well as announcing this extra day’s holiday for all non-lawyer staff, all business services professionals globally have also been notified that they will receive an additional one-off Coronavirus-related bonus of $1,000 (£720) or local equivalent.
The bonus will appear in employees’ pay packets at the end of this month (April).