Management Consulting

Aon's research into the legal sector revealed significant challenges regarding employee engagement, with only 52% of employees at law firms feeling engaged. This figure is notably lower than the average engagement rate of 59% across other professional services firms. The study highlighted that while partners exhibited a higher engagement rate of 66%, associates were the most disengaged demographic, with only 43% reporting engagement. This disparity indicates a critical issue within law firms, where the leadership skills of partners play a pivotal role in influencing the engagement levels of their teams. To address these engagement challenges, Aon utilized its strategic benefits benchmarking tool, the Benefits Score, which evaluates the competitiveness and effectiveness of employee benefits. Law firms scored an average of 65 out of 100, indicating that while the benefits offered are strong, the low engagement levels suggest that employees may not fully appreciate their value. Aon emphasized the opportunity for partners to enhance engagement, which could subsequently improve perceptions of the benefits and rewards provided. The potential impact of improved engagement is significant. Aon's findings indicated that departments within a global law firm that had higher engagement levels experienced 33% less attrition compared to their less engaged counterparts. This correlation underscores the importance of fostering a more engaged workforce, as it is linked to better performance on key metrics such as talent retention, operational efficiency, client satisfaction, and overall financial performance. Aon's insights aim to guide legal firms in implementing strategies to boost engagement among partners, associates, and other employees, ultimately enhancing their organizational effectiveness.