Dealing Successfully with Workplace Stress
I’m sure you’ve read, heard, or even extolled the benefits of reducing stress. You may have seen some of the recommendations below. You’ve probably also tried to figure out how you can achieve those benefits and still run a successful firm. If so, please continue reading. While accounting and stress management often go hand-in-glove, it is important to take a moment after tax season to truly investigate what you can do to help make this year better – for a happier and healthier workplace and a happier and healthier you. Because let’s face it, no one wants to be that person arguing with the copier at 11:45pm.
Understanding Stress in the Workplace
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, stress is the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker. Stress levels can vary depending on how individuals cope with workplace pressures.
Accountants generally don’t need to look far to find potential sources of stress in their work. The long hours of busy season, the unrelenting pressure of billable hours, the need to remain within budget while still delivering quality service, the changes that accompany partner retirements, and numerous other factors all have the potential to exact a heavy toll on both our personal and professional lives. Add in connectivity issues, system glitches and 4:45PM Friday Teams calls, and horror movies won’t be the scariest thing you’ll be seeing this quarter.
In the moment, these stressors create burnout and reduced performance at the office. If unmanaged, they can also lead to issues down the road. These issues can be physical, emotional, behavioral, or a combination thereof.
However, stress is not inherently negative — it can serve as a motivator and stimulate performance when managed effectively. The key is understanding stress, recognizing its symptoms, and applying structured strategies to handle it.
A Structured Approach to Managing Stress
This five-step stress management process can help identify and mitigate stressors:
- Identify Your Major Stressors
Before stress can be managed, it must be understood. Try making a list of stressors, such as workload, deadlines, workplace relationships, factors outside the office, etc. Seeking input from trusted colleagues, friends, or family members can provide an external perspective on stress triggers.
- Create Two Lists
Divide stressors into two categories:
- Things that I can change or help change
- Work hours
- Tools used
- Assistance received
- Things that cannot be changed
- Tax deadline
- Hours in the day
- The need to eat, drink, and sleep
These lists allow you to focus energy on what you can control rather than dwelling on unchangeable circumstances. Because as tempting as it is, no amount of caffeine will make April 15th come later.
- Eliminate or Control What You Can
For the stressors that can be managed, consider:
- Which tasks can be delegated or streamlined
- What personal behavior changes could help reduce stress
- What support from colleagues or management is needed
- Whether it’s possible to adjust expectations to reduce unnecessary pressure
For stressors that cannot be eliminated, learning how to respond differently to them is crucial.
- Change Your Thinking
One of the most effective ways to reduce stress is to reframe challenges and alter negative thought patterns. Try the following techniques:
- Reframe: Find the positive aspects of a difficult situation.
- Refute Negative Thoughts: Look for evidence that contradicts negative assumptions.
- Stop Unhelpful Thinking: Consciously reject pessimistic thinking.
- Set a “Worry Time”: Allow stress and concerns to be addressed only at designated times rather than letting them dominate the entire day.
Many employees fall into cognitive traps such as catastrophizing (“If I lose this client, my career is over”) or overgeneralization (“I missed one deadline, so I’m a failure”). By challenging these thoughts, individuals can significantly reduce their stress levels.
Remember: one typo doesn’t make you a terrible accountant, it makes you human. And maybe in need of a second cup of coffee or a good nap.
- Create and Implement a Recharge Plan
To sustain high performance without burnout, employees need a personal plan to recharge and maintain balance. Effective techniques include:
- Healthy Eating with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports overall well-being. Despite my preferences, it turns out that six cups of coffee aren’t the solution to a stressful day.
- Physical activity is a powerful stress reliever, as exercise boosts mood-enhancing endorphins and helps refocus the mind. Even a short walk or stretch can have a huge impact!
- Relaxation Techniques, such as breathing exercises, meditation, and guided imagery, promote relaxation and mental clarity.
- Social Support provides emotional comfort and perspective — reaching out to friends, family, or even volunteering can help alleviate stress.
- Creative expression, such as hobbies, journaling or music, helps release built-up tension.
- Professional counseling can provide guidance and new coping strategies. While some are self-conscious or doubtful of the benefits of therapy, it has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of general stress and anxiety, as well as various mental health conditions.
Conclusion
Workplace stress is a reality in demanding professions, but it does not have to be debilitating. By identifying stressors, shifting perspectives, and implementing healthy strategies, employees can transform stress into a source of motivation and productivity rather than burnout. Organizations should also play a proactive role in creating a culture that values employee well-being, open communication, and stress management support. With the right strategies in place, professionals can thrive in high-pressure environments while maintaining their mental and physical well-being.
