Employment annual report
Technology offers bright prospects for employment
lawyers
Employment lawyers who use technology well will have a great opportunity to distinguish
themselves from their competitors by forging close relationships with clients
Given that new technology offers a
wealth of opportunities for employment
lawyers, they must ensure that it is correct
implemented in their firm, as well as
ensuring best practices for its use are
adopted, argues Aurora Sanz, partner in the
Barcelona office of Grant Thornton.
She adds that lawyers who make the
best use of technology will be able to use it
to build stronger relationships with clients.
“[The use of] technology will be one of
the principal differences between labour
lawyers and will impact on how they
are connected to their clients,” Sanz says.
“Understanding its potential and making
the most of it will make lawyers a trusted
partner of their clients.”
Workforce reductions
Sanz says that among the key employmentrelated challenges clients are facing is the
need to create more flexible workforces,
which can involve reductions in salaries
and changes in working conditions.
In addition, clients also face the issue
of having to potentially cut jobs. She
highlights “reduction of the work force”
as one of the key trends and adds that
companies are also exploring measures
which “align individuals’ performance to
company’s results”.
Indeed, managing staff and ensuring
their well-being is one of the major issues
clients face, according to Sanz. “I would
point out three challenges,” she says.
“Psychological claims for burn-out, stress,
and harassment cases.” The engagement
and retention of employees are also issues
that companies are seeking to address,
Sanz says. It is with this in mind, that mor B