Global Well-being Report

Global well-being report on the state of the Chartered Accountancy profession

Kind and curious — But not to ourselves

This report examines the state of resilience and well-being within the Chartered Accountancy profession, drawing on insights from a global survey of 697 Chartered Accountants. While Chartered Accountants play a critical role in safeguarding financial integrity, their work often entails significant stress and complexity.

The survey highlights key strengths—curiosity, altruism, and creativity—that drive success within the profession. However, it also uncovers challenges such as multitasking, avoidance, and worry, which can erode resilience and mental health. Addressing these issues through targeted skill development and resilience training presents an opportunity to foster a thriving and sustainable profession.
As trusted advisors and business leaders, Chartered Accountants have a unique chance to lead by example, cultivating workplace cultures where well-being is not an afterthought but an integral part of daily practice. By prioritising resilience, the profession can set a powerful precedent, showing that success and well-being can—and must—go hand in hand.

Survey Methodology

To explore the state of resilience and well-being in the accounting profession, we utilized the Resilience Institute’s Resilience Assessment. This scientifically validated tool is built on the Resilience Diagnostic and Development Model, which evaluates 50 human factors—25 strengths and 25 risks. These factors are grouped into 10 key categories that map resilience, recovery, well-being, high performance and mental fitness.

Participants in the survey were presented with 50 statements, each corresponding to one of the resilience factors. They rated these statements on a Likert scale, with scores ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). A key metric in this assessment is the Resilience Ratio, calculated as the sum of strength scores divided by the sum of risk scores. This ratio provides a comprehensive measure of an individual’s overall resilience.

The Resilience Assessment has undergone five rounds of psychometric testing to ensure both validity and reliability. Trusted by many of the world’s leading organizations, it offers a robust framework for understanding resilience at both individual and organizational levels.

Resilience Diagnostic & Development Framework

Key Strengths:

Chartered Accountants are naturally curious and adaptable, with a strong commitment to serving clients and colleagues. These strengths foster engagement and build trust, positioning Chartered Accountants as vital partners in their organisations. However, these qualities, if not balanced with self-care, can lead to burnout and fatigue.

Challenges and recommendations:

The survey reveals specific areas where Chartered Accountants struggle, including multitasking, worry, hypervigilance, and lack of sleep. To address these challenges, this report recommends evidence-based practices:

  • Monotasking to reduce cognitive overload and improve focus.
  • Cognitive Behavioural Techniques (CBT) to manage worry and reframe negative thoughts.
  • Attention control (Tactical focus) to break cycles of overthinking and foster mental clarity.
  • Sleep training and night time boundaries to improve resilience and reduce burnout risk.
  • Resilience training, which offers Chartered Accountants comprehensive tools for managing stress and building sustainable well-being.

Conclusion:

Supporting Chartered Accountants’ resilience is essential to sustaining a healthy, effective profession. By implementing these practices, Chartered Accountants can protect their well-being, excel in their roles, and continue to serve with clarity and confidence. This report highlights both the strengths and the challenges in the profession, offering a roadmap for building resilience that benefits both individuals and the broader Chartered Accountancy community.

1. Strengths

Key resilience traits in the Chartered Accountancy profession

The survey highlights notable strengths among Chartered Accountants, revealing qualities that contribute to their resilience and commitment to others. These strengths, when effectively balanced, serve as the foundation for long-term well-being and professional excellence.

Curiosity and adaptability

  • Chartered Accountants scored highest in curiosity (4.26), showing a strong desire for continuous learning. This adaptability equips them to keep pace with changes in the regulatory landscape and evolving client expectations.
  • Harvard Business Review (2018) found that curiosity enhances problem-solving abilities by 34%, making it a valuable asset for navigating complex challenges in Chartered Accountancy.

Altruism and service orientation

  • Scoring 4.18, altruism is another defining strength, reflecting Chartered Accountants’ dedication to supporting clients, colleagues, and communities. This service mindset builds trust and fosters positive relationships, which are essential in high-stakes roles.
  • Research by Gallup (2017) shows that workplaces emphasising altruism experience higher engagement, which enhances satisfaction and retention among Chartered Accountants.

Creativity and strategic problem-solving

  • Although unexpected, creativity scored highly at 4.12, highlighting that Chartered Accountants go beyond numbers to find innovative solutions. This strength supports strategic problem-solving, which is crucial in today’s dynamic business environment.
  • McKinsey (2020) links creativity in the workplace to a 13% increase in productivity, showing that creative thinking boosts both performance and client satisfaction.

Summary

These strengths illustrate a resilient foundation, but without support, even these qualities can lead to stress. The following section details where the profession faces challenges and provides evidence-based practices to foster resilience and protect well-being.

2. How to support the Chartered Accountancy profession

Challenges and practices

While Chartered Accountants demonstrate significant strengths, the survey also reveals areas where the profession struggles. Addressing these challenges is essential to sustain resilience and protect mental health in a demanding field. Here, we explore key areas for improvement and outline practical, evidence-based strategies for fostering resilience.

“Multitasking feels productive, but it drains cognitive resources. Monotasking is our ally for accuracy and clarity.”

Addressing cognitive load: From multitasking to mono-tasking

Chartered Accountants face high expectations to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Multitasking, which scored 3.82, may seem productive but actually increases cognitive load and the likelihood of errors. Research by the American Psychological Association (2017) shows that multitasking reduces productivity by up to 40%.

Practice: Embrace monotasking

Focusing on one task at a time allows for deeper concentration and reduces mental fatigue.

How to implement: Use time-blocking and the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break) to increase focus and productivity. Resist the temptation to multitask and notice signals of multitasking such as opening too many browsers tabs or reading emails while on a Teams call.

Improving sleep quality through nighttime boundaries

Good sleep is essential for resilience, yet many Chartered Accountants struggle with sleep due to work pressures. Poor sleep affects focus, mood, and decision-making, increasing burnout risk. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (2018) emphasises that consistent sleep improves mental health, resilience, and cognitive performance.

“Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Boundaries at night allow us to recharge and approach each day with clarity.”

Practice: Sleep training and nighttime boundaries

Setting boundaries around nighttime routines can enhance sleep quality and overall well-being.

How to implement: Establish a consistent sleep routine, disconnect from work-related devices an hour before bed, and avoid caffeine late in the day. Consider using a sleep-tracking app to monitor sleep quality and make adjustments as needed.

“Worry drains our energy. CBT techniques help us see problems as manageable and solvable.”

How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Supports Resilience

Resilience—the ability to adapt, recover, and grow stronger in the face of adversity—is a vital skill in navigating life’s challenges. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based therapeutic approach, not only helps individuals overcome mental health struggles but also lays a solid foundation for building resilience.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

At its core, CBT is a structured, goal-oriented form of therapy based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are deeply interconnected. It focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns to promote healthier emotional responses and behaviors.

Unlike other therapies that might dwell extensively on the past, CBT is practical and action-focused. It aims to equip individuals with tools they can use in their daily lives to face challenges with clarity and strength.

A Real-Life Example

Imagine you’re giving a presentation at work. As you prepare, a thought pops into your head: “I’m going to mess this up, and everyone will think I’m incompetent.” This thought leads to feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and even physical symptoms like a racing heart. These emotions might make you avoid the presentation or rush through it nervously, reinforcing your fear of failure.

In CBT, a therapist would help you recognize this thought as negative and distorted. They might ask: “What evidence do you have that you’ll fail? or What’s another way to look at this situation?” You might reframe the thought to: “I’ve prepared for this, and even if I stumble, it’s a learning opportunity.” This shift in perspective reduces your anxiety, enabling you to perform more confidently.

How CBT Builds Resilience

CBT strengthens resilience by addressing key areas that help individuals bounce back from stress and adversity. Here’s how:

CBT techniques you can apply today

Even without formal therapy, you can start using CBT principles to build resilience. These techniques are practical, actionable, and proven to help you regulate emotions, think more clearly, and adapt to challenges. Here’s how:

1. Thought Journaling

What it is: Thought journaling helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns that may be holding you back.

How to do it:

  • Write down a specific situation that caused stress or negative emotions. For example: “I made a mistake at work, and now I feel like a failure.”
  • Note the automatic thoughts that arose in that moment. These might be thoughts like: “I’m terrible at my job” or “Everyone will think I’m incompetent.”
  • Ask yourself: Is this thought 100% true? What evidence do I have to support or contradict it?
  • Reframe the thought to something more balanced: “Everyone makes mistakes. This is a learning opportunity, and I can improve next time.”

Why it helps: This technique teaches you to question irrational beliefs, replace them with healthier perspectives, and reduce emotional distress.

2. Behavioral Activation

What it is: Behavioral activation involves intentionally engaging in meaningful activities, even when you don’t feel motivated. It’s about action leading to positive emotions, not the other way around.

How to do it:

  • Identify activities that align with your values or bring you joy—such as exercising, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing a hobby.
  • Start small. If the idea of a full workout feels overwhelming, begin with a 5-minute walk.
  • Use a schedule or checklist to plan these activities and hold yourself accountable.
  • Pay attention to how you feel afterward. You’ll often notice a boost in mood or energy.

Why it helps: By breaking the cycle of inactivity and negative emotions, behavioral activation creates momentum for positive change.

3. Mindfulness and Relaxation

What it is: Mindfulness and relaxation techniques help you stay present and manage emotional overwhelm, a crucial part of resilience. Mindfulness is about observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment, allowing you to respond intentionally rather than react impulsively.

How to do it:

  • Mindfulness: Practice being fully present in the moment. For example:
    • Imagine you’re in a meeting and a thought pops up: “I’m going to say something stupid.”
    • Instead of letting the thought spiral into anxiety, pause and observe it. Ask yourself: “Why am I thinking this? Is it helping me? or What’s the worst that could happen?”
    • Acknowledge the thought, but don’t let it define your reaction. Reframe it: “I’m prepared, and even if I make a mistake, I can recover.”
    • Shift your focus back to what’s happening in the meeting—what’s being said, your breathing, or the feel of the chair beneath you.
  • Deep Breathing: When you notice your mind racing, pause and take a deep breath. Inhale through your nose for four seconds, hold for four, and exhale for six. This simple act helps ground you in the present.
  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation: If you’re feeling physically tense, focus on each muscle group in your body. Start at your feet, clench the muscles tightly for a few seconds, and then release. Gradually move upward through your body.

Why it helps: Practicing mindfulness in these small, real-life situations builds your ability to notice unhelpful thoughts without getting swept up in them. Over time, this awareness becomes second nature, helping you remain calm and composed even in high-pressure moments.

4. Set Realistic Goals

What it is: Breaking larger tasks into smaller steps makes them more manageable and builds a sense of accomplishment, reinforcing resilience.

How to do it:

  • Identify a big goal that feels overwhelming, such as “get healthier.”
  • Break it into specific, actionable steps, like “walk 20 minutes three times a week” or “add one serving of vegetables to lunch.”
  • Set short-term milestones and track your progress.
  • Celebrate even small wins to build motivation and confidence.

Why it helps: By focusing on achievable steps, you avoid feeling paralyzed by the magnitude of a larger goal. Progress reinforces your ability to tackle challenges.

CBT as a Path to Resilience

Resilience isn’t about avoiding adversity—it’s about learning to thrive through it. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy offers practical, science-backed tools to navigate life’s ups and downs with greater strength and clarity. Whether through reframing thoughts, managing emotions, or building confidence, CBT helps you transform challenges into opportunities for growth.

If you’re ready to explore how CBT can support your resilience, consider speaking with a qualified therapist or integrating CBT-based strategies into your daily routine. Remember, resilience is a skill you can build—and CBT is one of the most effective ways to star.

This article was first published by The Resilience Institute at the following URL: https://resiliencei.com/blog/how-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt-supports-resilience

Resilience training: Building skills for long-term well-being

While self-directed practices are beneficial, structured resilience training offers a comprehensive approach to handling stress, building emotional intelligence, and fostering lasting resilience. Programmes from the Resilience Institute provide Chartered Accountants with tools to improve well-being and manage workplace challenges effectively.

A recent study of 157 senior leaders clearly demonstrates the impact of resilience training. Two half day workshops, delivered over a six-month period, supported by the Resilience Assessment saw improvements in every factor.

Why resilience training matters

Resilience training from the Resilience Institute offers Chartered Accountants skills in stress management, emotional regulation, and focus. These programmes are research-backed and designed for high-stakes professions.

How to access training: The Resilience Institute offers workshops, online courses, and assessments that provide Chartered Accountants with a comprehensive toolkit for resilience. Participants develop skills that measurably enhance both personal well-being and professional performance.

This training complements the well-being resources already offered by many Professional Accountancy Organisations (PAOs). Members are encouraged to check with their respective PAOs to explore additional well-being initiatives and support available to them.

Supporting resilience and well-being for a sustainable future

Chartered Accountants bring curiosity, service, and adaptability to their roles, forming a strong foundation for resilience. However, the profession’s demands make targeted support essential. By integrating practices like monotasking, attention control, and structured resilience training, Chartered Accountants can protect their well-being and thrive in their careers.

Resilience isn’t just about managing stress—it’s about creating a profession where Chartered Accountants can grow and succeed without sacrificing mental health. With the right tools, resources, and support, the future of Chartered Accountancy can be one that values both professional excellence and sustainable well-being.

3. Making the profession attractive

to young people and retaining top talent

Today’s young professionals are increasingly focused on work environments that prioritise mental health. The profession has a chance to lead by example, building a workplace culture where well-being is integral to daily practices.

“Young professionals are drawn to workplaces that invest in mental well-being. Making well-being a priority sends a powerful message about the profession’s commitment to its people.”

Recommendation: Encourage regular check-ins, offer access to mental health resources, and integrate resilience practices into team routines. Small adjustments, such as creating dedicated time for well-being or providing mindfulness tools, demonstrate a genuine commitment to mental health.

“A focus on continuous learning not only strengthens the profession but also keeps young talent inspired and engaged.”

Emphasise opportunities for growth and learning

Young talent values professional development. Curiosity is already a strength in Chartered Accountancy; by creating learning pathways, the profession can support career growth while helping individuals stay engaged.

Recommendation

Provide clear growth trajectories, including mentorship programs, ongoing education, and access to skill-building courses. Offering resilience and leadership training through initiatives like the Resilience Institute can enhance both technical and personal development, showing young Chartered Accountants a clear path to advancement.

Increase work-life balance through boundaries and flexibility

Work-life balance is critical to younger professionals. A culture that respects boundaries and offers flexibility is essential for retaining talent. When young Chartered Accountants feel they can maintain a healthy balance, they are more likely to stay committed to their roles.

Recommendation

Support flexible working arrangements, establish boundaries around after-hours communication, and encourage employees to disconnect outside work hours. This commitment to balance helps retain talent by allowing professionals to thrive without sacrificing personal time.

“Flexibility is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for attracting and retaining young talent in Chartered Accountancy.”
“Purpose-driven work isn’t just fulfilling—it’s the key to attracting and keeping mission-oriented talent.”

Champion purpose-driven work and altruism

Young people today seek purpose in their work. The Chartered Accountancy profession has an opportunity to show how its impact extends beyond the numbers, influencing positive change in organisations and communities. Highlighting this sense of purpose can attract mission-driven individuals who want to make a difference.

Recommendation

Emphasise the meaningful aspects of Chartered Accountancy, such as helping businesses thrive, maintaining ethical standards, and supporting communities. Programmes that allow Chartered Accountants to participate in community initiatives or pro bono work demonstrate that the profession values purpose as much as profit.

Recognise and reward resilience

Top talent values recognition, not only for technical skills but for resilience and adaptability. Recognising individuals who demonstrate resilience under pressure or who actively support team well-being sends a strong message that these qualities are highly valued in the profession.

“Recognising resilience and adaptability shows young professionals that the profession values more than just technical expertise.”

Recommendation

Create recognition programmes that honour resilience, adaptability, and contributions to team well-being. Acknowledging these “soft skills” as critical competencies supports a culture of resilience and reinforces the profession’s commitment to holistic growth.

Building the future

of Chartered Accountancy

Attracting and retaining top talent means creating a profession that aligns with the values of today’s workforce. Young professionals are drawn to workplaces that prioritise resilience, offer meaningful growth, and foster well-being. By emphasising a culture of purpose, well-being, and continuous learning, the Chartered Accountancy profession can secure its future, bringing in mission-driven individuals who are motivated to make an impact.

Supporting young Chartered Accountants today means creating a profession that they—and the experienced professionals who guide them—want to be a part of for the long term. This shift toward a culture of resilience and well-being isn’t just good for individuals; it strengthens the entire profession, making it an attractive and fulfilling career choice for generations to come.

Here’s a list of the research sources referenced throughout the report:

  1. Harvard Business Review (2018) – “The Business Case for Curiosity,” by Francesca Gino. This article discusses how curiosity fosters creativity, adaptability, and better problem-solving in the workplace. Available on Harvard Business Review’s website or by searching the article title on Google Scholar.
  2. Gallup Employee Engagement Report (2017) – Gallup’s research on employee engagement, specifically the benefits of altruism and commitment to well-being. Search “Gallup 2017 Employee Engagement Report” for access through Gallup’s website or related summaries.
  3. McKinsey & Company (2020) – “Innovation in a Crisis: Why It Is More Critical than Ever” report. This report provides insights into how creativity and innovation drive productivity and performance in organizations. Available on McKinsey’s website.
  4. University of Warwick (2014) – Research by Dr. Daniel Sgroi on the link between happiness and productivity, often cited as “Happiness and Productivity: Understanding the Happy-Productive Worker Thesis.” Search by title on Google Scholar or Warwick’s research database.
  5. American Psychological Association (2017) – “Multitasking: Switching Costs” research on how multitasking reduces productivity and accuracy. Available through the APA’s website or search by title in Google Scholar.
  6. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology (2015) – “The Effect of Avoidance Coping on Job Satisfaction,” by Wayne Hochwarter et al. This study examines how avoidance behaviors impact job satisfaction and productivity. Available through academic journal access points or by searching Google Scholar.
  7. Stress Management Research (2016) – A broad summary of findings related to cognitive benefits from reduced worry. Specific research may be located by searching for “stress management research worry cognitive function” on PubMed or similar databases.
  8. Journal of Behavioral Decision Making (2018) – “Rumination and Mental Health: A Meta-Analysis” by Emily Raps and others. This study addresses how reducing rumination improves mental health and workplace engagement. Available on Wiley Online Library or via Google Scholar.
  9. Occupational Health Science (2020) – Studies on “compassion fatigue” and the impact of empathy fatigue in high-stress professions. Search “compassion fatigue empathy occupational health” to locate relevant articles on Google Scholar or PubMed.
  10. JAMA Internal Medicine (2014) – “Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management” by Madhav Goyal et al. Research on mindfulness meditation’s impact on stress and emotional regulation. Available through JAMA or Google Scholar.
  11. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – General research on exercise, mental health, and resilience. Search “exercise reduces depression anxiety Harvard” on Google Scholar or through Harvard’s website for relevant summaries.
  12. Journal of Clinical Psychology (2002) – “Expressive Writing: Connections to Physical and Mental Health” by James W. Pennebaker and Joshua M. Smyth. This study highlights the benefits of journaling for stress relief and mental clarity. Available on Wiley Online Library or Google Scholar.
  13. Journal of Anxiety Disorders (2013) – “Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders” by Stefan G. Hofmann et al. Provides insights into CBT’s effectiveness for managing worry and anxiety. Available on ScienceDirect or Google Scholar.
  14. American Academy of Sleep Medicine (2018) – “Sleep and Mental Health” summary of findings on how sleep quality impacts cognitive performance and resilience. Search through AASM’s website or Google Scholar.
  15. Journal of Positive Psychology (2014) – “Self-Compassion and Well-Being” by Kristin D. Neff and others, exploring self-compassion’s impact on mental health. Available on Taylor & Francis Online or Google Scholar.

Unlock the potential of your people with the power of resilience. Find out more about the Resilience Institute by visiting: resiliencei.com

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