For accountants across the UK, January marks the onset of busy season – a period stretching to the tax year’s end on April 5th. With deadlines looming for year-end financial reporting, tax returns and audits, for those within accountancy practice, this time often demands long hours and unwavering focus.
While the peak intensity may vary across practices, all entail increased pressure and workloads. Unfortunately, this can take a toll on personal wellbeing. According to caba, the occupational charity for members of ICAEW (the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) 56% of accountants report experiencing stress and burnout – significantly higher than the 41% average across other sectors.
These figures highlight the importance of preparation and self-care to help maintain productivity and mental stamina during busy season. To help, we’ve compiled research-backed, actionable tips to support your wellbeing and navigate this demanding period effectively.
Setting healthy boundaries for your work-life balance
The right to switch off
In their “Plan to Make Work Pay” the Labour Party announced their commitment to the ‘right to switch off.’ Preventing “homes turning into 24/7 offices,” this will ensure workers can rest by limiting the need to reply to non-urgent correspondence outside of their contracted or preferred hours.
In 2023, UK accountants came third highest in terms of extra hours worked, at 11.7 hours a month. Being contacted out-of-hours can contribute to this additional workload, emphasising the Government’s focus to end this practice and significantly compensate workers.
Boundaries at work
While the ‘right to switch off’ isn’t expected to come into place until 2026, you can begin today by working with your employer to establish healthy boundaries that support both productivity and work-life balance. For example, being sure to take your full lunch break and go on a short walk. By also setting a timer to take a short break each hour, you can use this time to rest your eyes, stretch your legs by taking a quick walk around the office, or make yourself a drink.
Boundaries at home
When you get home, turning off your work notifications can help to reinforce boundaries between your personal and professional life. If your company is used to communicating outside of hours, be sure to discuss this change with your line manager beforehand to explain your reasoning. For most however, after-hours emails and calls can usually be addressed during regular working hours.
1. Fuel your productivity with healthy eating
Busy seasons and junk food cravings
If you find yourself reaching for unhealthy snacks as a tool to help you power through the increased workload and pressure associated with busy season, you’re not alone. Throughout the years, many professionals on Reddit’s r/accounting community have asked for advice on busy season snacking and staying healthy.
According to Harvard Medical School, short-term stress can suppress appetite, while prolonged stress has the opposite effect. Extended periods trigger the release of cortisol, a chemical which boosts your appetite and increases craving for sugar and fat, which both dampen its effects. Here are our tips on how to break the craving cycle.
Eating at work
Vegetables, legumes and whole-grains are perfect for busy periods, offering a slow release of energy. Leafy greens and berries can be especially beneficial for cognitive function, while certain fish, nuts and avocados provide healthy fats. Packing these for work will help to keep your productivity high by clearing brain fog, defending against cravings and preventing energy slumps
Eating at home
Meal prepping can streamline your week by establishing a routine and eliminating the need for daily meal decisions or the temptation to order takeaways. This not only saves time but also promotes healthier eating habits. Alternatively, meal kit subscriptions can be a great solution, offering easy-to-follow recipes that can help ensure a balanced diet with minimal effort.
2. Make quality sleep a non-negotiable
Falling asleep after a long workday can be challenging, with workers in accountancy practice often experiencing difficulty when it comes to gaining quality rest. In caba’s 2024 study of over 300 UK accountants, more than one in three reported experiencing insomnia or disrupted sleep in the previous year, as a result of stress. If you often struggle to unwind, below are some practical tips.
Avoid your phone an hour or two before bed
Another benefit of the ‘right to switch off’ is the potential for reduced screen time as checking late-night notifications exposes our eyes to blue light from phone and laptop displays. This light disrupts circadian rhythms by tricking the brain into thinking it’s daytime, equalling delayed and patchy sleep.
3: Boost your wellbeing through exercise
As published by Harvard Health, “exercise reduces stress hormones and stimulates production of endorphins, which together help foster relaxation,” in turn blunting some negative effects of stress.
As said by AccountancyAge, “if you find yourself facing work pressures, such as long hours and tight deadlines, then exercise can fall to the bottom of your to-do list.” They emphasise that exercise doesn’t have to mean running a marathon, with even smaller actions such as household chores being beneficial.
Moving in small bursts
Incorporating just 5-10 minutes of movement into your day can make a big difference, whether it’s during your lunch break or between meetings. Home workouts are an excellent alternative to the gym, with platforms like YouTube offering countless equipment-free routines to suit any fitness level. For those who prefer more structure, online multi-week challenges provide clear goals and timeframes to help you stay motivated and on track.
Hit the gym
For those who prefer a gym environment, this third location separate from work and home can provide a space to clear your mind and focus solely on yourself. With a variety of equipment available, you can find a routine that suits you best or gain the help of a personal trainer. Similar to time with friends and family, this short period of socialisation can also help towards reducing stress.
Reclaim your work-life balance with Distinct
We hope that you’ll find some of the ideas above useful when navigating the upcoming busy season at your firm. If you’re ready for a change of environment, our specialist accountancy practice recruiters are on hand to find your ideal match across London and Greater London.
Whether you’re searching for an accounting job with a higher salary, shorter commute, or better hours and flexibility – contact us today to find out how we can match your requirements. If you’re only passively curious or don’t have a CV ready, that’s no problem. We can arrange a quick, confidential call to start.
