At HGW are always looking for innovative ways to improve working life for our employees. Before the pandemic, we had already adopted a full flexi-time policy which staff utilise for things such as leaving early to collect their children from school, meeting with friends, or to go the gym. We also had the ability to work from home.
Since the pandemic we have continued to focus on a work/life balance for our staff. We are now offering all of our staff a half day off, fully paid each week. This is in addition to a very generous holiday entitlement, plus extra days off for birthdays and over the Christmas break. Staff are over the moon and many have said that it is going to be life changing. We have a wonderful workforce at HGW and we appreciate their commitment to ensuring our clients receive a high standard of service and legal advice.
HGW Discretionary Benefits
- Paid half a day off each week
- Enhanced employer pension contribution
- BUPA cashback scheme
- Virtual Medical Care (24-hour access to a GP)
- Additional Christmas holiday during the festive closedown period
- Birthday holiday
- Flexitime scheme
Some comments from other staff include:
Are you happy with the change from your old employer?
Yes, very happy. It’s been life changing.
I feel (and apparently look) ten years younger! I’m working shorter hours, in a friendly, pleasant environment, doing tasks that I enjoy and ‘that feeling of doom’ has completely gone!
I look forward to going to work every day.
What have you learnt in the process of moving across to HGW?
That life is too short to be unhappy at work.
One of my aims in life is to be ‘envious of the life I’m leading, rather than being envious of others’ and this has become a reality.
What has been the main benefit to working at HGW for you personally?
‘HGW has enabled me the flexibility to maintain and progress in my career whilst also looking after my family. I will be forever grateful for the flexibility they offered so that I could put time and energy into my home life as well as my career. That kind of support is not readily available to parents as standard.’
‘I simply would never have qualified as a solicitor if it wasn’t for the support HGW have given me.’
One employee has found working for HGW so life-changing, that he has written an article for Career Shifters to inspire others to look elsewhere if they aren’t satisfied in their current role.
His comments are:
‘Having worked in the public sector in educational administration for over 20 years, I was looking for a change in career direction. An opportunity arose at HGW Solicitors within the Practice Management administration team, and I was fortunate enough to be successful. There was an element of risk for the Firm and for me to change employment sectors; however, I’m so grateful that the Firm took a chance by hiring me. I’m now two years into the role and have never been happier in a workplace!
Aside the discretionary benefits of an enhanced pension scheme, BUPA, medical and flexitime schemes and additional birthday and Christmas holidays, the benefits of working at HGW are far reaching. Pleasant offices, friendly colleagues, excellent and supportive management and leadership and plenty of guidance and training helped me settle in swiftly. There is a strong ethos to maintain a healthy work/life balance, supported with mindfulness and meditation sessions, and we are encouraged to take our lunch breaks.
Compared to public sector life, I find the perks at HGW to be frequent and generous. We’re provided with a parking permit and staff socials have included meals out, bowling, garden parties and a boat cruise. Hot weather and we’re allowed to dress down and kept cool with air conditioning and ice-creams. Christmas time and we’re rewarded with an Amazon voucher and the fun of a Christmas jumper day!
What’s requested in return? Turn up to work, work hard and do a good job. It’s a win:win situation for me!
One Happy Employee!’
