As with any profession, working in accounting comes with its unique stresses and concerns which in turn can affect business processes and productivity.
From juggling increasing client demands to combating intense deadlines with minuscule margins for error, more than half of UK accountants have reported feeling burned out while working in the profession.
Alleviating the stress of your accounting team isn’t as complex as you might think, and you get the added benefit of simultaneously enhancing their overall efficiency. This guide discusses how you can streamline accountancy processes to foster a supportive work environment and reduce stress levels in your team.
Process Optimisation
The intricacies of accounting and taxation planning are a big factor in increased stress levels. Reviewing and streamlining processes by eliminating redundant and tedious tasks and automating processes can help accountants feel more productive and valued in their roles.
Moving towards fewer hours wasted on manual data entry and lower chances of error means your team can channel their energy and resources toward more value-driven work. The ultimate goal is to curate an accounting process requiring less time and fewer departmental resources.
89uModern Accounting Software
Modern accounting software is changing the face of the profession by integrating systems to automatically categorise financial data. Utilising this technology reduces the risk of errors or missed transactions by simplifying tasks and enhancing accuracy.
Improved processes and tax determination not only benefit your company financially but also the productivity of your team. With cloud-based platforms, accountants will spend less time preoccupied with menial tasks and double-checking their work.
Employee Training and Development
Continuous training and a focus on skill development can increase team confidence in accounting processes and responsibilities. This not only ensures each team member knows how to handle complex financial tasks, but it also displays an investment in their well-being and career progression.
Incorporating stress management strategies into your training teaches employees to recognise signs of stress before work performance can be compromised. Your team will reap the benefits of staying motivated, productive, and focused.
Work-Life Balance
It is easy to assume that an accountant’s role outside of the tax year is relatively stress-free, but the intensity of deadlines means it’s easy to start bringing work home with you. Having a good work-life balance can dramatically reduce stress levels by preventing burnout and giving your team a sense of accomplishment and control.
Being realistic about workloads and deadlines prevents unproductive pressure from being applied. Accountants should also be discouraged from working after scheduled hours so they can arrive refreshed for work the next day. A healthy work-life balance gives team members the freedom to spend out-of-work hours however they like.
