Workplace initiatives encouraging staff fitness have been prevalent in Western firms for some time. But as the 2011 ALB Employer of Choice survey reveals, law firms operating in Asia see exercise as an increasingly important plank in their work/life balance strategies.

Jennifer Milford, Chief Operating Officer (Asia) of Mayer Brown JSM, says the firm aims to promote work/ life balance by encouraging staff to get involved in activities such as dragon boating and football competitions. In Malaysia, Skrine takes pride in its dragon boating team of partners, associates and other firm employees: “The team has participated in dragon boat competitions in Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, where they have held their own against international dragon boat teams,” said Skrine partner Audrey Choo Pao Lin. She adds that the activity provides more than just physical fitness: “The experience serves to encourage working together, building up a team spirit and promoting leadership and camaraderie.” 

Singapore-based Rajah & Tann pays staff a gym subsidy. HR Partner, Rebecca Chew says the firm plans to further promote healthy lifestyle this year by hosting an ACTIVE Day, badminton tournaments and holding regular exercise classes in aerobics, yoga, pilates and circuit training. Also in Singapore, lawyers from Herbert Smith and some of the firm’s clients will be running in the Adidas Sundown 10K and half marathon races in May, showing that fitness initiatives can also be used to strengthen relationships.

In Korea, Lee & Ko partner Yong Jae Chang says the firm is committed to encouraging social activities and supports staff special interest groups for activities such as bowling and hiking. In mainland China, Davis Polk’s Beijing office plans to run more social activities, such as hiking, over the coming year.

Baker & McKenzie will be introducing initiatives to encourage workplace well-being, such as training staff in ergonomic exercises to increase comfort at the office. Domestic firms are also promoting fitness initiatives. Jincheng Tongda & Neal established its JT&N Club in 2005, which Sun Qiang, assistant director of HR says provides staff with an avenue for relieving work pressure, ensuring employee health and promoting work efficiency.

Kathryn Crossley
This is an extract from the ALB Employer of Choice feature which will appear in the April edition (11.04) of the ALB Magazine.