Business Case
“Having a mentally healthy workplace is not just good for people, it’s good for business” - Deloitte
The Case for Investment
Poor mental wellbeing - cost to employer: Investing in tools to support lawyers’ mental wellbeing costs less (financially and reputationally) than the expense involved in the fallout from poor mental health. Repeated Deloitte studies (2020 - 2024) highlight the enormous cost to business of individuals leaving, taking leave of absence (‘absenteeism’) or remaining present but not performing with full ability (‘presenteeism’).
Poor mental wellbeing can lead to damaging mistakes. Legal insurers are warning that an increasing number of claims made in recent years have roots in employee stress and other mental health concerns.
ROI: Deloitte’s 2024 study highlights the return on investment of mental health interventions in the workplace. It demonstrates that employers can generate an average return of £4.70 for every £1 invested in improving workplace mental health.
Evidence-based support - stronger workforce: Employers need reliable evidence to make informed decisions about how to invest in workplace mental health and support programmes with positive returns. Numerous global studies across the healthcare sector over many years evidence that Balint groups improve performance, reduce stress, increase both professional and personal resilience, enhance practitioners’ professional relationships and raise levels of satisfaction in work.
Skills development - reflective practice: Not only have Balint groups been shown to improve and support wellbeing, regular participation can also enhance practitioner skills which in turn impacts the bottom line. Both the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Bar Standards Board (BSB) emphasise the value of reflective practice (such as Balint groups) as a core competence in improving the capabilities and performance of practitioners, and as a means to develop greater self-awareness and relational intelligence in legal work.
Peer support - the value of connection: The professionally facilitated peer support offered within Balint groups is shown to help doctors be better clinicians, to think with greater perspective about their work, to better understand their patients and to listen and communicate more effectively. Academic research in the legal sector argues for the greater use of this form of support for lawyers, for the best interests of the client, for lawyers’ career sustainability and wellbeing, and ultimately for the organisation’s success.
Cost effective and time efficient: Balint groups offer a time-efficient and cost-effective way to support lawyers together, compared to the greater cost and time demands of 1:1 coaching and other support. The learning and development gained from ongoing participation in Balint groups cannot be replicated by ‘one off’ seminars on wellbeing topics.
The value of authentic, effective support:
Improved productivity and engagement
Reduced absenteeism and presenteeism
Lower turnover and greater sense of belonging
Healthier, happier workforce
Career sustainability