Here OrangeIQ will tell you how to manage workplace burnout in the accounting sector. Burnout is a real problem in the accounting sector. The term was first coined by Herbert Freudenberger in 1974. Burnout can quickly become a significant physical and mental illness, severely impacting your life and career. According to data from several studies from 2021, around 52% of employees felt burned out from the stress of work. That is to say, unchecked burnout can influence everything from workplace performance to emotional health. This makes it impossible to thrive in your accounting role.
For the accounting sector, balancing a heavy workload, client expectations, and having a personal life can be challenging. That is to say, chronic stress isn’t just an annoyance. It can have devastating long-term effects on your health. The question is how do you identify it and how to manage workplace burnout in the accounting sector?
What is Burnout?
Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that burnout is different from workplace stress or tiredness. It is an issue that can present in several ways and cause symptoms such as:
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Alienation From Workplace Activities
You may feel cynical about your working conditions or avoid participation in routine activities as much as possible.
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Physical Discomfort
Chronic stress can often lead to physical issues such as stomach aches, headaches, and digestion issues.
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Emotional Exhaustion
You may feel as though you are struggling to cope, have no motivation or are constantly on the verge of breaking down.
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Reduced Performance
When you are overwhelmed and tired, it is harder to give your best. You may find it difficult to perform routine tasks that you had no trouble with before.
In addition, in the accounting sector, burnout can also lead to issues like making more mistakes or struggling with decisions. That is to say, the more you keep trying to push through it, the greater the symptoms may become.
How Do You Deal With It?
Let us move forward and tell you some steps on how to manage workplace burnout in the accounting sector. While employers can take steps to assist with burnout, like building a company culture focused on empathy and support, it is also up to employees to care for themselves. If you are starting to notice the signs of burnout, here are some steps that could help you fight it.
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Adjust Your Routine
The rise of flexible work and remote employment has made it easier for many workers to adjust their routines to fit their needs. That is to say, if you feel overwhelmed by spending too much time in the office, you should consider asking your employer whether it is possible to work from home, at least part-time. In addition, if you are already working at home, you can consider adjusting your existing strategy to improve your well-being. For example, make sure you are taking regular breaks throughout the day so you can stand up, move around, and get a change of scenery when possible.
Exercise is excellent for reducing stress, keeping you grounded, and improving your mental health. You can also try relaxation measures like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness to calm your nerves. That is to say, at least ensure you are taking time to properly re-energise yourself with the right nutrition. Some studies show only around 28% of people take their designated lunch break. Taking time away from work is one of the best ways to ensure you maintain your productivity levels.
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Establish Work-Life Boundaries
Having healthy boundaries is important for a balanced worklife. But, to succeed in the accounting sector, many workers push themselves further than they can manage. If you think you are overwhelmed by work, consider speaking to your employer about reducing your workload or making sure you take on fewer additional tasks.
In addition, if you are connected to your workplace through digital apps for collaboration, like many hybrid workers are today, it is important to know when to shut these off. Turn on “do not disturb” mode and disconnect from the workplace at the end of the day to focus on your life. That is to say, it is also necessary to ensure you are getting enough sleep. Avoid working late into the night because you want to finish a project. That is to say, think of a good night’s rest as an investment in your future success. After all, sleep improves productivity, efficiency, and performance.
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Ask Your Employer For Help
Many employers in the accounting sector have begun to recognise the importance of empathy and well-being for their staff. If you are struggling to manage, your employer would prefer you to come to them and try to reach a solution rather than seeing you leave.
That is to say, depending on your relationship with your manager, you can approach them directly and let them know you are feeling burned out. In addition, they can offer suggestions on how you can reduce your workplace stress and get back on track. You can also talk to your HR representative and ask them what they can do to help you with improving your schedule.
Employers can help you with everything from assigning some of your tasks to other employees to creating a strategy for remote working if you need some time out. That is to say, if your current employer is not willing to be flexible with you, this indicates that they may not be supportive in other areas.
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Make A List
Stress often comes from feeling like you don’t have the mental bandwidth to take on every task, assignment, and project floating around in your head. That is to say, rather than wasting mental bandwidth storing information in your head, take 15 minutes to put all of your tasks and to-dos on a list. Once you’ve created your list, prioritise all of the tasks on it. You may find that some tasks really aren’t all that important and can be put off until later, or skipped entirely. In addition, if any of the tasks on your list seem overwhelming, try breaking them into smaller, “doable” steps that you can accomplish in the time you have available.
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Delegate
One of the most effective ways to accomplish more is to personally do less, also known as delegating. Maybe you avoid delegating because you think it takes too long to train someone else. Or you believe nobody can do a certain task as well as you can. But most successful, high-achieving people have a team of assistants, staff members, consultants, vendors, and contractors to help them manage projects and handle daily tasks. Here are some steps that can help you with delegation:
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Think about what to give up
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Invest time in the early stages
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Monitor progress
That is to say, doing everything yourself might save time in the short term, but in the long run, it hinders your productivity. Invest in your future capacity and stress management by learning how to delegate.
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Identify Stressors And Cut Them Out
That is to say, ask yourself honestly: What is causing you the most stress? What could potentially be leading you or your team toward burnout? To prevent this, set strong boundaries and make it clear that you are not available 24/7. In addition, charge appropriately for your services. Make sure, that you have differentiated your pricing for compliance services versus higher-value advisory services. Finally, get rid of difficult clients who are draining your mental health resources or who don’t value your service. Life is way too short to work for anyone who is demeaning or doesn’t treat you fairly, you have every reason to be picky about who you work with.
