Page 90 of The Life Experiment
Tilting her chin higher, she addressed the room. ‘At Mayweather & Halliwell, we attract the best and brightest, but the best and brightest can only remain that way when they are rested, supported and valued. That includes benefits like parental leave and flexible workingarrangements, visible praise, rewards and incentives, and an unbiased promotion review period.
‘Several studies have found that when people feel appreciated and have a manageable workload, both their productivity and satisfaction increases. The aim of this meeting is to outline our proposal, but over the next few weeks, Michelle and I will present plans that could transform this firm and the lives of those working for it. Our ultimate goal is to make Mayweather & Halliwell an organisation people want to work at for a lifetime, not a short time. Thank you.’
Ducking her head, Layla stepped backwards, but Michelle placed her hand in the centre of Layla’s back, holding her in place.
Her speech was met with silence until Bernard Addington cleared his throat. ‘That was very rousing,’ he drawled, ‘but everyone at this table did late nights and took work on holiday with them. It’s part of the job. If people aren’t prepared for that, maybe they should question their decision to work in law in the first place.’
The knot in Layla’s stomach tightened as several people around the table nodded in agreement, but with Michelle’s steady presence beside her, Layla cleared her throat. ‘Just because something happened in the past, it doesn’t make it right and it doesn’t mean it should happen in the future. Progress can’t be made if we stick to the status quo.’
Bernard’s mouth lifted into a smirk. ‘The status quo has served everyone here well.’
‘That may be so,’ Layla replied, ‘but if Mayweather & Halliwell wants to remain one of the best firms in the industry, attitudes need to change. People need to adapt.’
Another beat of silence echoed through the wood-clad room, this one more static than the one before.Oh shit, Layla panicked.This is where they fire you.
But then Wallace stood up, his six-foot frame towering over the other partners. ‘Well, Layla, we have a lot to consider, but it’s safeto say you’ve woken the dinosaurs at this table from their slumber. Well done.’
As Wallace reached out to shake her hand, Layla grinned. The instant she allowed herself to feel the joy of the achievement, Layla’s mind wandered to the one person she wanted to share it with…
Suddenly, the colourful moment turned sepia.
42Angus
The Life Experiment: Daily Questionnaire
Property of OPM Discoveries
How would you rate your level of contentment today? (1 represents low contentment, 10 represents high)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
There is no option for 0
How would you rate your energy level? (1 being very low energy and 10 being very high energy)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
What are two things you are grateful for today?
The invention of premium liquor
The fact that I own a lot of premium liquor
What are you struggling with today?
The knowledge of all my fuck-ups
Do you have any additional notes on what you would like to discuss in your upcoming counselling session?
No
Peeling his sticky eyelids open, Angus stared at the ceiling above his bed. A mild panic set in as he realised his tongue was glued to the roof of his mouth, but Angus knew he only had himself to blame. No one else had poured multiple tequila shots down his throat.
In fact, Jasper had repeatedly tried to pry the bottle of Don Julio 1942 from his hands. ‘I’m worried about you, my friend,’ he said as Angus stumbled away, clutching the bottle to his chest.
That was Angus’s last memory of the previous night.
Stretching his weary shoulders, Angus thought of Jasper. Would he want to go out again later? Angus hoped so. Jasper was never one to shy away from a good time, although the last few days had been a lot, even for him.
