Could the power lunch be a thing of the past? A new survey suggests it could be heading in that direction.
According to the survey, from staffing firm Robert Half Legal, one in two lawyers — 50 per cent of the 150 lawyers queried — said business lunches are less common than they were three years ago. Lawyers still do lunch, but apparently less regularly. Lawyers surveyed said they were meeting clients or colleagues for a business lunch on average twice a month.
The survey was conducted by an independent research firm and includes responses from lawyers at the largest law firms and corporations in Canada, Robert Half says.
“Considering today’s hectic work environment, it is becoming more difficult for legal professionals to find the time for a business lunch,” John Ohnjec, a division director of Robert Half Legal in Canada, said in a news release. “This is prompting lawyers to more frequently use email and social media to stay in touch with their contacts, rather than having face-to-face meetings.”
But Ohnjec stressed the enduring value of meeting in the flesh. “An in-person meeting outside the office provides a valuable opportunity to make a more significant connection, as well, can establish great rapport.”