Research reveals accountants are damaging their health with poor work-life balance

Three-quarters of accountants believe that an increase in their working hours has had a detrimental effect on their health according to international research published by audit recruitment website www.careersinaudit.com. Almost a third (32%) had been affected by stress, with a further quarter (26%) admitting they suffered low energy and others citing significant weight gain/loss (13%) or aggressiveness (14%).

The research revealed that just under half (43%) of accountants are working over 50 hours a week or more, with 17% of accountants working over 60 hours or more. Despite nine-in-ten accountants accepting that a poor work/life balance reduces the quality of their work, eight-in-ten accountants (77%) believe that their career progression would be hindered if they gave greater priority to personal interests and/or family. And nearly two-thirds of accountants (65%) believe that being a ìworkaholicî increased an employeeís chance of being promoted.

When accountants were asked what would motivate them to work even longer hours, nearly half cited either pay rise (23%) or promotion (25%), whilst a quarter would do it for the enjoyment of work (25%).

However, a considerable number of accountants are ready to blame their bosses or industry bodies for their poor work-life balance. Nearly three-quarters of accountants believe the industry is not doing enough to curb long hours (74%) and nearly half (45%) revealed that management does not encourage employees to use up all annual leave.

Other highlights of the research include:

Work commitments are impacting on personal life; Only a quarter admitted they had always been able to get to important events outside work, 20% revealed they had missed a family holiday, 12% had missed a birthday party and 18% had either missed an important school event for a child or funeral (9% respectively);

Two-thirds (66%) of accountants believe that teachers have the best work/life balance, only 6% thought accountants had the best work/life balance but investment bankers, renowned for their long hours, were bottom of the league with just 2%;

Only one respondent chose to sleep when asked how they would use an extra ten hours a week, whilst most choose to spend it with family and friends (60%), followed by 19% opting for hobbies and other interests;

14% of accountants believe that Swedish accountants are best at managing their best work-life balance with French accountants in second place (10%) and Russians faring the worst with no votes.

Max Williamson, CEO at CareersinAudit.com comments:

ìOur research reveals that many accountants have a hard work ethic and are extremely committed to their company. However employers need to be mindful not to set a precedent that workaholics are favoured more than others when it comes to promotions or pay-rises. Particularly when employeesí health is at risk or staff are having to miss significant family events such as christenings, holidays or funerals.

ìWhilst the study revealed that nearly half of bosses have greater awareness of the work-life imbalance issue compared to three years ago, many accountants are cynical that this has had any real impact in their workplace.

ìBosses need to be taking pro-active steps to ensure greater flexibility with working hours and to highlight the importance of spending time with family and friends. Surely happier less stressed staff will produce a better quality of work?î