World Mental Health Day 2024: Creating a Healthier Workplace

The 10th of October marks World Mental Health Day , and the 2024 theme is a topic that hits home for so many of us.?

Mental health at work.?

It’s a theme that couldn’t be more relevant, especially in the world of accounting. Whether you're crunching numbers for clients, filing tax returns, or preparing for audits, the daily pressures can really add up.?

But let’s pause for a second...?

When was the last time you checked in with yourself or your team about how you’re really feeling??

In the hustle and bustle of deadlines, emails and meetings, it’s easy for mental health to take a back seat. And yet, we all know that a firm (and any business) is only as healthy as the people behind it.?

So, today, let’s take a moment to talk openly about mental health in public practice.??

Whether you’re an accountant climbing the ladder or you’re a leader of an accountancy practice, there’s something in this conversation for you. ?

We’ll dive into why mental wellbeing is so important in the workplace, how firms can support their staff, and why creating a better work-life balance is good for people and business. ?

For Accountants: Finding Balance in a Busy Profession?

No matter what discipline you work in, as an accountant you ?are no stranger to hard work. ?

From long hours at the office during busy tax season to the constant pressure of getting everything right, it’s easy to feel like the demands never end. There’s always another client to help, another tax return to file, another audit to complete.??

In fact, Advancetrack’s May 2024 report estimates that 88% of worldwide accountants say that the skills shortage is “significantly” harming their mental health. Even more alarmingly, 33% say that the strain on their wellbeing has become “severe”.??

Burnout is real , and it doesn’t take long for the effects to show up. Sleepless nights, constant stress, and feeling overwhelmed can start to creep into your everyday life. Suddenly, what was once a passion for your career starts to feel like a burden.?

And that’s why it’s crucial to make your mental health a priority. Not just for yourself, but for your performance at work, too.?

Whilst there is positive change on the horizon, such as The Right To Switch Off legislation , it’s crucial to make your mental health a priority today. Not just for yourself, but for your performance at work, too.?

Here are a few tips to help you create a healthier balance:?

• Unplug after hours: Resist the temptation to check emails or continue working once you’ve logged off. Your brain needs time to rest, and you’ll be more productive the next day for it.?
• Schedule downtime: Whether it’s taking a walk, practicing yoga, or catching up with a friend, make time for activities that help you unwind and de-stress.?
• Speak up if you’re struggling: Don’t suffer in silence. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to someone—whether it’s a colleague, manager, or a professional. Sometimes, just sharing how you feel can take a weight off your shoulders.?

Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritising your mental health will help you perform better at work and live a happier life outside of it.?

For Firms: Building a Supportive Environment for Your Team?

Now, let’s shift gears and talk to the leaders out there. ?

It’s no secret that public practice can be high-pressure, and as employers, you play a key role in supporting your team’s mental wellbeing. ?

Here’s the reality...?

If you want your firm to thrive, you need to take mental health seriously and truly understand the stress factors for your team. - that goes beyond simply having a basic policy in place. It’s about creating a workplace culture where mental health is openly discussed, support is readily available, and employees feel comfortable being honest about their needs.?

So, how can firms do that? Here are a few strategies:?

• Foster open conversations: Mental health shouldn’t be a taboo subject in the office. Encourage employees to talk about their wellbeing, and make sure they know it’s okay to ask for help when they need it. You could introduce regular well-being check-ins or even have a mental health advocate in the office who’s trained to offer support.?
• Offer flexible working options : Let’s face it—accounting isn’t a 9-to-5 job. During busy periods, the hours can stretch long. But that doesn’t mean flexibility can’t exist. Allowing remote working, offering flexible hours, or even introducing shorter work weeks can make a huge difference to your team’s work-life balance.?
• Provide access to mental health resources: Whether it’s offering counselling services, providing stress management workshops, or promoting mindfulness practices, giving your employees access to the resources they need can go a long way in supporting their mental health.?
• Lead by example: As leaders, it’s important to model the behavior you want to see in your team. Take time off when you need it, manage your own work-life balance, and show your employees that it’s okay to prioritise their well-being.?

When you create a workplace where mental health is a priority, you’ll find that your employees are more engaged, motivated, and loyal.??

Plus, they’re less likely to burn out or leave the company, which means less turnover and more consistency for your clients.?

Discover other ways to boost morale and motivate your team. ?

A Win-Win for Practice?

Why should we be putting so much focus on mental health and work-life balance??

Because it’s a win-win for both accountants and firms.?

For accountants, a better work-life balance means less stress, fewer chances of burnout, and more overall happiness. When you’re not constantly worrying about work, you have the mental space to be more creative, more focused, and more efficient.?

For firms, supporting the mental health of your staff isn’t just about being a good employer, it’s also good for business. Happy employees are productive employees. They’re more likely to stay with the company, work harder, and deliver better results.

Plus, having a reputation as a firm that values mental health and work-life balance can be a huge advantage when it comes to attracting top talent.?

Looking to join a firm that prioritises your wellbeing??

Or maybe you’re a firm looking to better support your team??

Here at Public Practice Recruitment Ltd, we work with progressive, forward-thinking practices that understand the importance of mental health and work-life balance.??

So, this World Mental Health Day, let’s commit to building a healthier, happier workplace for everyone in public practice. We can all do our part to make mental health a priority. ?

Talk us through your recruitment needs by getting in touch with our team today. ?