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Eversheds
Organisational challenge/context
By reducing travel, Eversheds recognises that it can make significant financial savings, generate less carbon emissions and also ensure that staff are able to use their time more effectively, i.e. using video- or tele- conferencing. By showing that the firm is committed to reducing business travel further, Eversheds’ internal and external environmental profiles have been raised. The company has saved £1.3 million between 2008/09 and 2009/10 financial years.
Interventions
Eversheds has a holistic approach to flexible working and encourages both formal and informal arrangements though the Lifestyle scheme which was launched in 2002. The scheme enables everyone to meet their own personal needs whilst fulfilling their career and business objectives. The scheme has been used by hundreds of people and covers informal arrangements such as changes to start or finish times and working from home on occasion.
Increased use of technology such as laptops, mobiles and BlackBerries make it easier for employees to work more flexibly. Citrix, a server that staff can access remotely, is available to all staff and in 2010 Eversheds was the first major UK law firm to roll out iPads. This enables greater flexibility and productivity throughout the business. Webinars, teleconferences and video conferences are widely used throughout the firm enabling meetings to be set up and information shared at no notice, on a global basis.
Results/benefits
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Between 2008/09 and 2009/10 (financial year) comparable travel costs fell by 24% (saving £1.3 million), far exceeding the 10% target
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In 2010, Eversheds won the European Travel Buyers CSR Award for significantly reducing air mileage and introducing a robust authorisation, booking and monitoring system, thus raising its profile with clients
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As a result of the improvements in cycling facilities, approximately 5.2% of staff now cycle to work (increased from 3.1% in 2007). Approximately 33% of staff walk to the office at least once a week
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Eversheds increased the number of employees who agree with the statement ‘The firm is supportive of the need to balance work and home life’ from 47% (October 2006) to 74% (August 2010)
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By encouraging staff to get out of their cars and travel by train or use virtual meeting tools, the firm reduced car mileage from over 1,154,000 miles in 2008 to 720,000 miles in 2010 (a 38% reduction). This equates to a reduction of 141.7 tonnes CO2 (Defra 2009 conversion factor), and a saving of almost £175,000 a year.