The eDiscovery industry in the UK, like many other industries, has been greatly impacted by the shift towards remote working in recent years following the Covid19 pandemic. The concept of remote-based work gained significant attention as a viable alternative to traditional office-based work given the circumstances of the pandemic.
The pandemic spurred the advancements in technology and more importantly, changed attitudes towards work-life balance. Many clients have embraced the idea of allowing contract lawyers and paralegals to work remotely even though the worse of the pandemic seems to be now over. However, this trend has also sparked a debate on whether remote-based work is a better option than office-based work or if it poses significant challenges to both contractors and clients.
In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of both remote-based work and office-based work specifically in relation to document review, and the impact of these options on productivity, work culture, contractor satisfaction and address concerns of clients.
What are the benefits?
One of the main advantages of remote working for contractors is increased flexibility. Remote working allows contractors to work from home, which can be especially beneficial for those with family or other commitments that make it difficult to work in a traditional office setting. This flexibility can also lead to an improvement in work-life balance, which can have positive effects on an individual's mental and physical well-being.
Another advantage of remote working for contractors is the potential for increased productivity. Many contract lawyers and paralegals find that they can be more productive when working from home, as they are able to create a work environment that is tailored to their individual needs and preferences. This can include things like setting their own schedule, reducing distractions, and being able to focus on their work without the distractions of an office environment.
With the recent cost of living crisis in the UK and elsewhere, the potential for reduced commuting time, travel costs and forgoing the additional expenses of daily paid lunches in the city is another advantage and a factor for contractors who opt for remote working contracts over those based in offices.
