With the rise in burnout cases among the accounting workforce, Cristian H Holmes, CEO of Caba , stresses the importance of providing greater support to those suffering from burnout symptoms. He also reflects on how we need to raise awareness about the effects of burnout.
Many accountants find that working in this industry is a rewarding and highly respected profession. We know it is not without challenges. Accounting professionals can find it hard to maintain a work-life balance due to long hours, deadlines that are tight and high pressure.
Some people can thrive in these conditions. For others, however, the pressure to perform can lead to excessive stress.
Our most recent report shows that since our previous study two years ago there has been an increase of almost 20% in the number chartered accountants who have reported symptoms of burnout.
There are a number of things that we can do in order to help ourselves manage feelings of burnout. However, raising awareness at work is an important step towards supporting employees who feel burnout.
The truth about burnout in the Accounting Profession
Accountant burnout has become a common phenomenon.
In a recent survey, we found that 43% (or 43%) of accountants experienced burnout symptoms frequently or constantly in the last year. When accounting professionals who have’sometimes’ suffered burnout symptoms are included, the figure increases to 74%.
Comparing this with other industries, we found that accountants are 36% more likely than other employees to feel stressed or burned out.
Burnout is a common problem, but it can be hard to identify. Burnout is a stigma that many accountants fear. They are reluctant to talk about it unless their mental, financial, or physical health has been seriously affected.
Signs of burnout
Accountants are also susceptible to the more extreme burnout symptoms. Our study found that while it can vary depending on the individual, 1 in 3 accountants has been diagnosed or self-identifies as having depression. 3 in 10 also experienced frequent panic attacks.
Burnout can also be characterized by physical symptoms such as headaches or sleep problems. It can also cause emotional fatigue, causing people feel low or drained. It is then harder to interact with clients and colleagues, affecting relationships, and causing further stress.
It is important to raise awareness of burnout in the profession by recognizing the warning signs. These indicators will help organisations and individuals to better understand the impact and scale of burnout.
Supporting those who are suffering from burnout
Over two-thirds of accountants (63%) report that their current working environment has contributed to their feelings burnout. Organisations must help employees who are feeling burned out.
What measures can the industry take to support those struggling with burnout, in addition to greater awareness?
Encourage open communication.Creating a culture in which employees feel comfortable sharing their feelings will help to foster a feeling of belonging and understanding. Senior leaders have a significant impact on the culture of an organization by normalising mental health at work. By sharing experiences with others and receiving support, you can reduce the feeling of isolation that burnout can cause.
Promote work-life balance. While it may become normal for people to work long, uninterrupted hours without breaks, employers should encourage their employees to take advantage of their annual leave allowances and have time to relax and unwind from work at the weekends and other days off. Resting and taking time off regularly will help you recover from the pressures of work and improve your productivity.
Share solutions:Nearly 2 out of 5 accountants feel their workplace doesn’t provide enough resources to manage burnout. Employee wellbeing programmes are not enough. Support should be integrated into the company culture. It could be as simple as reducing the workload or working hours for employees to achieve more manageable schedules. Signposting and making resources easily accessible to employees can help reduce feelings of burnout. Employees can develop a toolkit with consistent support to help them prevent, cope and heal burnout.
Accountants can take action to prevent burnout from becoming chronic by being aware and taking the appropriate measures to support them. If they do not, then further medical intervention may be required to aid in recovery.
We at caba are here to help accountants who have experienced burnout by providing resources and advice. No matter how low your mood is, you will always find someone to guide and support you.
The original version of this article, How to better support employee burnout in the accounting industry, appeared first on Human Resources News.
