Fostering Mental Well-Being in IP Practice
The title of the roundtable was Safeguarding Mental Stability in IP Practice and our session took place on the final day of the conference, November 21.
This topic has gained significant relevance in recent years, particularly in the aftermath of the global COVID-19 pandemic. During the discussion, we explored the lasting impact of prolonged quarantine and remote work on legal professionals, raising important questions such as: What challenges did people face when returning to post-quarantine life? Did law firms observe an increase in sick leaves once regular activities resumed?
Participants shared that many individuals experienced symptoms of depression, sleep disorders, and other mental health challenges, especially during periods of isolation—whether alone or with family. We highlighted how vital it was to re-engage with the outside world through creative and social activities, such as outdoor painting workshops, as soon as local regulations permitted. These activities became crucial in helping people reconnect, express themselves, and find joy amid uncertainty.
Recognizing that remote work is here to stay, we emphasized the importance of not falling into the false comfort of staying indoors indefinitely. While being at home may offer a sense of security, excessive isolation can be detrimental to our well-being. Making a conscious effort to leave the house, engage with others, and embrace daily life outside our homes emerged as an effective way to combat loneliness and mental fatigue.
Beyond the pandemic’s effects, we delved into the ongoing pressures faced by IP professionals: the pursuit of perfection, tight deadlines, and the ever-present goal of client satisfaction. These stressors are often underestimated but can significantly affect our mental health. In jurisdictions where procedural deadlines were suspended during the pandemic, the sudden reinstatement of them created an overwhelming workload and heightened anxiety.
As a B Corporation, our firm embraces the “triple impact” approach:
- People (Within the Organization)
We strive to cultivate a supportive and inclusive workplace. Diversity and non-discrimination are central values, upheld through initiatives like blind hiring, which eliminates biases and opens the door to a broader pool of talent. Our policies include birthday leave, additional vacation days beyond those required by labor law, and progressive parental leave policies that support all parents equally, regardless of gender. These practices foster a culture of belonging, care, and mutual respect.
- Community (Our Impact on Society)
Our team actively participates in social campaigns—supporting education to prevent school dropouts, encouraging blood donation, and contributing to poverty alleviation initiatives. These efforts enable our staff to connect with meaningful causes and feel empowered to make a difference.
- Planet (Environmental Responsibility)
We are committed to reducing our ecological footprint by embracing a paperless work environment and supporting sustainability efforts wherever possible.
These values contribute significantly to mental well-being. People feel more fulfilled and engaged when they know their work creates positive change. Being part of an organization, that values purpose and responsibility can uplift spirits, boost morale, and foster a strong sense of community.
In conclusion, we unanimously agreed on the importance of cultivating work environments that promote self-care, empathy, and mutual support. In the legal profession—and especially in IP practice—creating space for mental well-being is not just a necessity, but a meaningful investment in the health, happiness, and resilience of our teams.
For further information please contact rflanzbaum@ojambf.com
