Modern Day Challenges.
Alabamians stand zombie-like glued to their cell phones. The checkout line finally stumbles forward on a Monday night. The scene plays out the same in Auburn, Hoover, and even in Daphne. Time to leave America's retailer and head home to pay bills. However, not without first grabbing a few cartons of fast food for faster times. It's past 7p.m. and the weary spouse is caught up again working late. End-of-quarter reports are due tonight. The "smart phone" screen suddenly lights up. A frantic text-"carpool no show." One last stop now by soccer practice to pick up the twins. College football tailgating with the exhalted "to do" list. Weekends in Alabama were once reserved as a time of rest--allotted for carefree moments and rejuvenation.

That has all changed. Like the rest of the nation, times and culture are changing in Alabama's workforce. Something is missing, and progressive companies are figuring it out. It's called "work-life." Work is life. Then life is work. It's all a blur.

Burr & Forman LLP
Cathy Ogletree, Director of Human Resources, says: "We try to create a family culture where employees feel valued." A "Staff Appreciation Week" work-life program is held every spring. Days begin with employee breakfasts and distribution of gift cards. An "Employee of the Year" is recognized. During this same week, teaching artists arrive at the offices. This onsite offering allows the inner child to escape. "We spread plastic rolls on the floor and supply our team with canvasses, paints, and brushes. Then we let them go after it!" says Ogletree. Employees also enjoy an annual community service day. This ties employees to the community and provides the gift of mutual personal and community gratitude. A twelve-week walking program is now in its eighth year. Prizes and drawings are awarded.

Annual biometric health screenings are held for employees and their spouses with the incentive of annual health insurance monthly premium discounts. When a team member works late to meet a client deadline a nightly meal ("Starlight") with health choice options is delivered to the office. Employees wishing to further their education are awarded up to $2,500 in annual tuition reimbursement. "Our trademark is to treat our employees well. You can have all the technology in the world; however, it's the people who are most important. Teamwork and diversity are key at Burr & Forman. We want to attract and hire the best people, and it is these people who take care of our valued firm clients," adds Ogletree.

 

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About Burr & Forman LLP
For over a century, Burr & Forman LLP's experienced legal team has served clients with local, national, and international interests in numerous industry and practice areas, ranging from commercial litigation and class actions to corporate transactions, including bankruptcy and restructurings. A Southeast regional firm with nearly 300 attorneys and nine offices in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee, Burr & Forman attorneys draw from a diverse range of resources to help clients achieve their goals and address their complex legal needs. For more information, visit the firm's website at www.burr.com.