At Synch, we're more than just a law firm. We're a team that fosters a thriving work environment beyond the billable hour. In this conversation, we sat down with Andreas Börjeson, our chairman, to delve deeper into SynchHeart, our initiative that redefines what it means to be a sustainable organization.
What does sustainability mean to you?
-Like many others in our industry, we always try to make the most sustainable choice in everything we do to lower our carbon footprint. From a social perspective, I believe we stand out as we aim to create a workplace where people can flourish professionally and personally. This way of thinking manifested from the beginning when we first founded Synch and is still with us daily.
What was your vision when you founded Synch, and what made you want to break away from the traditional way of working?
-We wanted to break free from the traditional hierarchical and partner-driven model. This allowed us to appoint employees to operational roles, making them the focus. We have always wanted to give our employees freedom under responsibility, which has been a consistent strategy over the years. Not having a billing requirement but still being able to charge the way we do with equally high quality is a balancing act. We know it pays off in every way, financially and socially. Our employees are our most important asset, so we want to create a workplace where they can stay longer and combine their careers with a private life/family life.
In Synch Manifest, you mention that Synch dares to be different. How does this translate into the employee experience?
-We want Synch to feel more like a family than just another law firm. In our company, you're not just a number. You belong to a community where you can contribute meaningfully and grow alongside your peers. This unique environment fosters a sense of accomplishment beyond your professional success.
What sets Synch apart regarding workplace culture, reflecting this focus on well-being?
-It starts with our structure. Our flat organization is free from the traditional pressure of billable hours. We prioritize open communication, encouraging employees to have a say in how they work. Flexibility and a healthy work-life balance are at the forefront.
Over the years, which initiatives do you think have been the most valuable?
One example is welcoming talented individuals who might not have a traditional Swedish law degree, providing them with opportunities to learn and grow alongside their legal work. Despite being a homogeneous industry, we are curious about and employ people from various backgrounds to create a more creative and innovative workplace. It's about creating a win-win situation.
The other example that I am proud of is that we, from the start, dared to sign the lease on our amazing office space even though we couldn't fill them from the start. But we knew in our core that this office space was the right one to build a creative and innovative work environment and it has proven to be a success.
How do we ensure that we and the industry continue to develop in the right direction?
-By showcasing our initiatives to inspire others in the industry to follow. Listen to our employees about what they require as motivation to feel excited about their work. What hinders them, and what can we as an employer do to make it easier? Everyone is different, and we need to be attentive to various needs. We continue with our smaller joint initiatives where we socialize and do fun things together. We do things like this all the time, so it doesn't matter if, for example, one misses out on a summer party as there will be several more events to join.
At Synch, we're committed to making a positive impact beyond our professional duties. Through SynchHeart, we challenge the conventional idea that corporate success is solely measured financially. We firmly believe that all businesses are responsible for addressing broader societal challenges. SynchHeart reflects our dedication to creating meaningful change and contributing to the well-being of our communities.
