The Iowa State Bar Association announced on April 1 that its Shift Happens: Surviving the Law Profession Masterclass Series will continue Tuesday, April 7, with a session focused on building supportive workplace cultures and improving staff retention.
Burnout and high turnover remain ongoing issues in the legal profession. The upcoming session aims to address these challenges by examining how leaders can create intentional changes in workplace culture that support employee well-being and organizational success.
Melissa Byers, executive director of the St. Petersburg Bar Association, will lead Part Seven of the series, titled “Change Agent.” Byers brings over a decade of experience working with a voluntary bar association of 1,200 members. She has led initiatives targeting high rates of depression, substance use, and suicide among legal professionals. Her efforts include the “Healthy, Happy, Holistic Attorneys” wellness initiative which seeks to promote lasting change rather than temporary solutions.
The program will present practical strategies for fostering environments where attorneys and staff can thrive. Organizers say it is important to recognize that real cultural change goes beyond offering short-term perks or benefits.
Attendees are expected to gain insight into how prioritizing wellness within an organization can help retain employees while also improving overall outcomes.
