Shoosmiths has struck the perfect work-life balance for its employees, according to the judges of a prestigious city awards scheme.

The law firm - which employs more than 100 people at its Colmore Row office - was joint winner of the medium-sized company category at the Birmingham Best Business Awards 2007 for the Development of Work-Life Balance.

Key best practices that impressed the judges were flexible working, stress management awareness, wellbeing assessments, personal development and coaching, birthday days and first aid training.

Facilities and human resources manager Nicola Humphries, who received the award, said: "The open and honest culture at Shoosmiths means people feel comfortable talking about their work-life balance needs, and aren't afraid to ask for support. We seek regular employee feedback, and act on it."

Partner and head of office Joel Kordan said: "Winning this award is recognition indeed of the enormous effort we make to ensure our employees are properly supported in their work, and get the right help when required. We can't function without people, and happy people function better."

The awards, presented at a lunch held at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, recognise that improving the work-life balance is good for employees, improves performance and helps achieve business goals.