At a recent William Fry CounselConnect virtual conference, 170 general counsel were polled on their wellbeing, nine months into the pandemic.

While 31% of delegates reported feeling ‘very well’, only 4% were in ‘excellent’ form, with 51% simply feeling ‘okay’.

The conference theme of how COVID-19 is impacting on individual and work-related wellbeing was explored through psychological frameworks.

Virtual attendees heard psychotherapist Antoinette Moriarty in conversation with Richard Breen and Claire Waterson of CounselConnect.

Antoinette Moriarty asked participants if they ever experience the World Health Organization (WHO) defined symptoms of burn-out.

A full 78% of respondents confirmed feeling “exhaustion/energy depletion” while 75% have felt “mentally distanced from/negative about work” and 58% have experienced “reduced professional efficacy”.

Boundaries

Delegates were encouraged to tend to their own wellbeing needs, setting healthy personal and professional boundaries as a priority.

Attendees were also polled about which of Mental Health Ireland’s “five ways to wellbeing” they currently include in their week.

The results showed that:

• 70% replied they looked for ways to be active every day,
• 29% make time to connect with the people around them,
• 21% are trying something new or have taken up an old interest.

Antoinette Moriarty advised: “Change is only possible when we become fully aware of, and accept, ourselves and our circumstances, exactly as we are.

Judging

“When we stop looking ahead or behind, when we stop judging and criticising – ourselves, others or our circumstances – and simply notice and pay attention to what it’s like to be, in the here and now, then change is possible.

“Once we become fully aware of ourselves and our circumstances not only will change become possible – it will become unavoidable,” she said.

Richard Breen of CounselConnect said: “I am delighted that CounselConnect was able to proceed this year in a virtual setting.

Measures

“This year brought unforeseen challenges for employers, staff and businesses who had to adapt to COVID-19 in various ways, and who continue to face challenges. 

“Most strikingly, employers need to be aware that the WHO defines ’burn-out' as an organisational issue rather something that arises from personal weakness or vulnerability, so employers should ensure to have appropriate measures in place.”

William Fry operates its CounselConnect programme for in-house lawyers, offering legal updates, developments and seminars for continuing education and training purposes. 

The programme is in its 15th year.