WellBeing Toolkit
For Managers In The Accountancy Profession
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) has a vision of building a culture of difference makers. This vision is brought to life by the great people who choose to become Chartered Accountants and the positive culture that we create together, one that prioritises the wellbeing of its Members.
FOREWORD
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) has a vision of building a culture of difference makers. This vision is brought to life by the great people who choose to become Chartered Accountants and the positive culture that we create together, one that prioritises the wellbeing of its Members.
It is proven that a healthy workplace not only makes us more productive, but it also greatly improves our motivation for success and makes the accounting profession a great place to work for all. As leaders in this industry, we play a pivotal role in shaping the work environment and culture that directly impacts our team’s mental, emotional, and physical health.
In today’s fast-paced and demanding world of finance and accounting, striving to cultivate an environment that prioritises the wellbeing of our teams is crucial; it is a strategic necessity to sustain growth and maintain the attractiveness of the profession.
The Wellbeing Taskforce at Chartered Accountants Worldwide has produced this valuable toolkit for managers in the accounting profession. This comprehensive guide is designed to support leaders navigating the complex landscape of employee wellness. Equipping our industry leaders with the tools and strategies to foster a thriving and dynamic team will not only contribute to a rewarding working environment, but will benefit the lives of those within it.
Ainslie van Onselen, Chairman, Chartered Accountants Worldwide and CEO of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
BACKGROUND
According to the World Health Organisation, mental health conditions can have a substantial effect on all areas of life, such as work performance, relationships with family and friends and ability to participate in the community. Two of the most common mental health conditions, depression, and anxiety, cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year.
In today’s fast-paced and demanding world of finance and accounting, the importance of employee wellbeing cannot be overstated. According to this year’s Gallup Global Employee Survey, the majority of the world’s employees are “quiet quitting”, with less than a quarter (23%) reporting to be “thriving at work”. Given the additional pressure of staff retention and ensuring the long-term attractiveness of the profession, it has never been more important to address some of the drivers that can curtail these negative trends and influence the resilience of both the profession and its people.
A McKinsey Health Institute survey across 15 countries and 15,000 employees highlighted how employers can make mental health support a reality, especially for young workers. The findings revealed that an alarming 59% of the workplace reported at least one mental health challenge.
A McKinsey Health Institute survey across 15 countries and 15,000 employees highlighted how employers can make mental health support a reality, especially for young workers.
THE WHY
A recent Forbes article published in January 2023, indicates that for almost 70% of people, their manager has more impact on their mental health than their therapist or their doctor—and it’s equal to the impact of their partner.
THE WHO
This toolkit is designed to provide a blueprint for understanding, educating, and supporting managers across all types of organisations across the profession to have an impact on the wellbeing of their employees
THE THREE PILLARS
1. UNDERSTANDING
Understand the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) challenges within your team, and the wider organisation.
2. EDUCATING
Adopt more coaching behaviours when engaging with your team. This builds trust and empowers your team
3. SUPPORTING
Listen to staff feedback and demonstrate you have understood the challenges and want to take action.
