Family Law

Goodwin Procter Helps Sandwich (Generation)

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The Baby Boomers (the generation that was dealt a resounding defeat last week) is also sometimes called the “Sandwich Generation.” Boomers like to claim that they are the first generation (in the history of “ever” apparently) to have to take care of both their parents and their children while they are still working.

Whiners.

Inter-generational aspersions aside, Goodwin Procter is actually doing something that should help Boomers out. They’ve instituted a very interesting new benefits package:

Free, round-the-clock access to a telephone support center that provides information on services for the elderly, the disabled, and the family members who care for them.

This is a program that could actually help attorneys. As anybody who has ever served as a part-time caretaker/full-time worker can attest to, getting the appropriate information is half the battle.

More details on Goodwin’s program after the jump.


The hotline will be staffed by registered nurses and professional social workers. From the firm’s perspective, the goal is obviously to increase the productivity of their attorneys:

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“With our workforce facing the issue of elderly people living longer, it became apparent to us that our employees could use a resource that would help them not only with issues facing their families and children, but with care they have to provide to elderly and disabled relatives,” said Goodwin Procter’s human resources director, Ann Lamson, who estimates that between a quarter and a third of the firm’s 1,700 employees are older than 45.

The hotline can also be accessed by family members of Goodwin attorneys.

These are the kinds of issues people are trying to capture when they talk about “quality of life.” It’s not all about hours and pay (and holiday parties). Making stressful situations a little easier, that’s what we want from employers. Good job Goodwin Procter.

Are there other firms with similar programs? Perhaps it’s something worth bringing up at the next “work-life balance” committee meeting.

Goodwin Procter offers family caregiver benefit [Boston Globe]

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