In the high-pressure world of legal practice, demanding matters and deadlines can take their toll on our dedicated workforce. Recognising this, STBB actively organises various wellness initiatives for attorneys and non-attorneys alike. This month, we sit down with Director and family law and divorce attorney, Shereen Volks, to explore what these initiatives mean for staff morale and internal culture.
World Mental Health Day
Initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health, World Mental Health Day is observed each year on 10th October. At STBB, the day serves as a critical reminder that mental well-being matters – and that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential.
Promoting wellness through Pilates and Sculpt Yoga
For Shereen Volks, a senior Director and skilled divorce attorney based at STBB Cape Town, offering wellness initiatives is a key part of building a healthier and happier workplace. The introduction of Pilates and Sculpt Yoga classes at the firm began as a simple idea that grew into a weekly tradition, which brings colleagues together in ways that go beyond physical fitness.
‘The seed came from [a former employee] who initiated a yoga class about six years ago, primarily for clients,’ she recalls. ‘Staff were invited to attend, and the idea caught on. Other [STBB] branches also started similar initiatives.’
While those classes were held in the late afternoons, demand grew for something that would fit into the busy workday. ‘I had many staff members asking me to arrange a session over lunchtime,’ Shereen says. ‘When I met our wonderful and highly skilled Pilates teacher, Katya, I knew a lunchtime Pilates class would be perfect for us.’
Katya agreed — and the rest is history. ‘[T]he Tuesday lunchtime class has been going strong since 2019,’ the Cape Town divorce attorney explains. ‘The classes offer [everyone] the opportunity to exercise and de-stress with minimal hassle.’
Movement that builds momentum
The response from staff has been overwhelmingly positive. ‘Excellent,’ she says without hesitation. ‘We have a core [group] of people who come for every class [and] the success of the class is greatly enhanced by the group energy – so the more the merrier.’
Recognising that everyone’s fitness levels vary, Shereen assures that ‘the spirit of the classes is generous and fun.’ Accordingly, ‘[n]o one need ever feel intimidated or fearful — the classes are for all comers, no matter where you are on your movement journey.’
A break that brings you back stronger
When asked how wellness initiatives boost staff morale, mental health, and motivation, Shereen doesn’t hesitate: ‘I’ve seen the difference for myself and many others. It can be difficult to get away from your desk – we all work under pressure – but that hour makes all the difference.’
She explains that the classes act as a mental reset. ‘Your brain gets a break, and your body needs the stretching and motion. The dose of movement helps control stress levels, keep things in perspective, and prevent overwhelm. It helps to shift your thoughts, which facilitates innovative thinking.’
Renewed focus
The benefits go beyond physical health – they strengthen teamwork, mental focus, and resilience. ‘Speaking for my team, we look forward to our classes,’ the experienced divorce lawyer says. ‘We work intensively to make that space for ourselves, and we get back to our work with renewed energy and focus.’
That renewed energy, she believes, directly contributes to the firm’s success. ‘We’re professionals engaged in a service industry,’ the divorce attorney reflects. ‘We need to ensure that we are healthy and strong so we can deliver excellent service to our clients — but we’re also a team. Exercising together fosters the sense of helping each other achieve our goals. Together, we are much stronger.’
For Shereen personally, the benefits are tangible. ‘In my practice, I particularly benefit from the Sculpt Yoga class, which is more intensive and really helps me cut off from the stressful day,’ she says. ‘I sleep better and solve problems more quickly.’
What started as a small lunchtime initiative has grown into a treasured part of STBB Cape Town’s wellness culture — proving that when colleagues move together, they also move forward together.
For expert legal assistance from an innovative family law practitioner near you, contact our premier Cape Town-based divorce attorney, Shereen Volks, at familylaw@stbb.co.za.
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