Accountants reveal rise in stress following festive period - here's why

76% of accountants feel stressed about returning to work in January following the festive period, according to new research from caba. In addition, 74% say they feel more stressed in January than any other month of the year.

The survey of 500 UK accountants found end-of-year related workload (37%), post-holiday backlog (32%), personal financial strain (29%) and seasonal factors such as reduced daylight hours (34%) and bad weather (33%) are amongst some of the biggest stressors at this time of year.

For 32% this often culminates in feelings of burnout in January – but 41% believe this has become a normalised part of the profession’s culture.

Continuing its ‘Behind the Profession’ campaign, which shines a light on the pressures accountants face, caba wants to encourage those who are facing seasonal pressures – whether related to physical or mental health, or personal finances – to seek support.

Last December-January period, the charity recorded a 14% rise in enquiries, with 27% related to health issues (mental or physical) and 23% related to financial issues.

However, 49% of those surveyed say they would feel reluctant to seek help for physical issues, 63% for mental health and 68% for personal finance, with 39% saying they’d worry it could be perceived as a sign of weakness by peers or colleagues and 27% fearing it could harm their career prospects.

Dr Cristian Holmes, Chief Executive at caba, says: “Chartered accountants uphold exceptionally high professional standards, but we have seen that it can make it difficult for them to ask for help when facing challenges with their health and wellbeing.

''But accountants are only human. They face challenges just like everyone else. We urge anyone who is struggling to reach out - whether to a loved one, a friend, a member of their community, or to us. No matter how you’re feeling, there is always someone ready to listen, offer support, and help you find a way forward.

''We know that the right support can make a real difference. Last year alone, we delivered nearly 5,700 instances of support, including financial grants and donations, totalling almost £2 million.''

Support from caba is free and given in the strictest confidence. Call 01788 556366, email [email protected] or visit or visit https://www.caba.org.uk/with-you.html to find out more about how caba could support you.