London life takes toll on mental health

With nearly one third saying they have experienced mental health issues, CABA’s Laura Little examines the impact of London life on the capital’s accountants, highlighting the importance of wellbeing in the workplace.

November 2018

In the accountancy industry, ‘employee wellbeing’ has been rising up the agenda and is now one of the most important issues facing firms. With regards to the accountancy profession, our research has also shown that 34% of ICAEW members aren’t happy about their physical and mental health, with 31% stating they’d experienced mental health issues.

These findings may resonate with many readers, especially those working in the capital where long hours and high-stress situations are all too common. Setbacks in the workplace or personal issues which affect you at work will happen throughout your career – whether these are minor hiccups or more serious shake ups. So, recognising your response to these events and knowing how to react will stand you in good stead for tougher times ahead.

What is important to remember is that mental ill health is an issue that one in four of us experience, so feelings of stress, anxiety or depression are not uncommon, and therefore you shouldn’t feel scared if you do encounter them during your career, no matter your seniority.

It’s well-known that mental ill health can have a profound effect on your ability to do your job effectively. It can affect motivation, performance and relationships at work. However, there are simple steps you can take to alleviate the risk of triggering such feelings.

For example, develop a positive mindset. Why not try writing down three things at the end of the day that went well. This should help you to look at your situation in a more positive light.

However, if you do feel like your mental wellbeing is off-kilter, don’t feel like you have to suffer alone – a problem shared really is a problem halved, so never be afraid to speak up. Talking to your manager or a colleague about how you’re coping can help, and if you’re feeling stretched then flagging any issues in advance helps you to find a solution before the situation becomes unbearable.

Wellbeing is important, both personally and professionally, and it’s important not to let the non-stop London lifestyle wear you down – everyone needs a break. 

Read our whitepaper.

Laura Little is Learning & Development Manager at CABA, the charity that supports the wellbeing of chartered accountants.

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