Key considerations for the mental wellbeing of accountants

Accounting has not earned itself the reputation of being demanding from nothing; firms look for professionals who hold critical thinking skills and analytical skills with a good measure of client-facing skills – not to mention their academic background and type of accreditations earned. But even for the most resilient and hardworking professional, mental health must be a consideration your firm makes to uphold their mental health in the workplace and quash burnout. As every working environment wisens up to the importance of mental health, approaches such as ‘chrono-working’ and tailored flexible working policies are gaining traction. They could even find their place within the accounting industry. Here are some supportive measures that can enhance your staff’s mental health: Give chrono-working a try Recent findings indicate that two-fifths of professionals believe their mental health could benefit from so-called ‘chrono-working’, which allows individuals to work according to their natural sleeping patterns. This approach has become popular, because it recognises that not everyone is productive during the traditional 9 to 5 workday. In fact, 42% of UK professionals feel their mental health would improve with chrono-working, with over a third indicating increased focus and productivity, and 11% noting better sleep quality. Chris Eldridge, the CEO of London-based recruitment consultancy, Robert Walters UK, has also highlighted the potential benefits of chrono-working: "While it may initially feel like a drastic departure from usual working styles, chrono-working offers significant benefits in helping professionals achieve a work-life balance they are happy with." For accountancy firms, adopting elements of chrono-working – such as allowing early birds to start and finish earlier, and night owls to work later – can boost employee morale, sleep, and productivity levels. However, this piece of advice comes with a caution from Eldridge that chrono-working may not be universally applicable, especially for firms with strict core hours or availability requirements. Therefore, companies with flexible operations – like start-ups, tech, and e-commerce firms – might find it easier to adopt such practices compared to those with rigid schedules. Review your flexible work policies This ties in with chrono-working but is also distinctly different. A survey from Robert Walters has revealed that 54% of employees feel their organisation’s flexible work policies do not meet their needs. They reported that many firms are taking a “one-size-fits-all” approach, which is obvious in standard policies that include mandatory office days or early finish Fridays. To address this, accountancy firms should consider offering more personalised flexible work options on a case-by-case basis. For instance, a four-day workweek, remote working options, or allowing employees to work from different locations can cater to individual preferences and enhance job satisfaction. Interestingly, while only 12% of professionals initially opted for chrono-working, Robert Walters found that 47% preferred an early start and finish, and 38% wanted to alternate between different patterns when given the choice. However, it is still essential to recognise that chrono-working and other flexible arrangements may not be suitable for all roles within an organisation. This is why a case-by-case approach should be considered; employers can take elements that best fit their business model. How’s your lighting? The workplace environment plays a crucial role in employee well-being. The lighting within offices, often fluorescent white bulbs, can actually affect an employee's concentration and sleep quality. Employers have the power to change the lighting conditions to promote adequate Vitamin D intake and support natural circadian rhythms. Research has actually shown that enriched blue light can improve concentration, mood, and performance while enhancing sleep quality in the evening. Work hours and expectations Excessive work hours and the expectation to complete work outside regular hours can lead to sleep deprivation and increased stress. Research from Ciphr found that full-time employees worked an additional 18 days outside regular hours annually. As a result, accountancy firms should establish clear boundaries and expectations around work hours to help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance. By encouraging your employees to disconnect after work, you can prevent burnout and improve overall well-being. Continuous education and engagement A lack of education around the importance of sleep can contribute to poor mental health, so you should consider engaging your workforce through interactive workshops and personalised sleep-tracking challenges to encourage healthy sleep habits. However, make sure the event doesn’t turn into a lecture. Equally, cycle to work schemes are being offered by a number of organisations for a reason; cycling to work can help employees expend more energy, which leads to better sleep quality. Your interactive workshop could provide suggestions for how staff can reimagine their commutes to improve their wellbeing and mental health.