Visions for the future of work have never been bolder. The COVID-19 pandemic changed notions on how many felt a work environment should be. The world was rushed into accelerating technology adoption, increasing digital connectivity and embracing virtual collaboration. As we usher in a new and dynamic decade, Dentons Rodyk envisions the future of work by ditching its traditional office for good and introducing a permanent hybrid work model.

 Achieving the best of both worlds with a permanent hybrid work model

The adoption of a hybrid work model allows our employees to work from home one to three times a week, easing their stress of commuting while presenting them with opportunities of in-person collaborations and social interactions during days when they are in the office. Work-life balance has become an unquestionable priority for many young lawyers and our hybrid work model provides them with the freedom to manage their own schedules through flexible reporting hours, broken down into bands of active and non-active times.

Helping staff adapt to the new model

It is crucial that we embrace the global shift to remote working and adapt to the work culture that our lawyers and staff desire. Having the flexibility and choice in deciding when and where work gets done is a major factor in talent retention and attraction in the new work climate. In addition to a hybrid approach, the firm is also providing monthly allowances to staff for their home office setups and remote-working expenses. Together with the necessary IT infrastructure and tools, the monthly allowances help our colleagues to work remotely effectively by defraying the cost of purchasing IT equipment, peripherals, as well as communication expenses such as Wi-Fi and mobile data plans.

Redesigning the office to emphasise flexibility

Our newly revamped office has been designed specifically to align with the firm’s flexible work arrangement. The elimination of assigned workspaces along with the implementation of hot-desking allow us to pare down on unnecessary real estate by 40% and create spaces that improve networking and collaboration. Other working styles such as room-sharing and communal spaces are also available in the new office. Our colleagues are no longer bound by a designated work cubicle and are free to work anywhere.

Employees can work at a variety of collaboration areas and store their belongings in the newly-installed lockers

Inspiring creativity, communication and collaboration

Designed with integration and informality in mind, traditional cubicles have been ditched for clusters and open spaces with the purpose of endorsing collaboration and transparency. Leaders and partners now work in shared rooms with clear desks policies. A new open-concept library and breakout work areas have also been introduced as spaces for ideas to bounce and develop.

Endorsing collaboration through a new open-concept library and breakout work area

Reflecting the firm’s unique culture and ethos

Dentons Rodyk’s unique culture of inclusivity and innovation is reflected in our office redesign. Maintaining informal learning and communication has been a major challenge since the inception of remote working. A new Ideation space has been created with spontaneity in mind, providing employees at the firm with an informal setting that promotes togetherness and social interactions. “Dentons Rodyk’s culture is one of familial cohesion and camaraderie. The office has been specifically redesigned with this in mind to ensure that our culture does not erode with the hybrid work model,” says Senior Partner and Dentons Rodyk’s Chief Operating Officer Loh Kia Meng.