While it’s often referred to as ‘self assessment season’ we know in reality most of you spend 10 months of the year preparing for the 31 January deadline. However, there’s always that last minute rush of chasing missing data from clients which makes January a stressful time. 

We recently teamed up with Accounting Web to put together a special report with some helpful tips for making self assessment season less stressful and more efficient. We talked to firms who have found ways to streamline their workflows, reduce pressure, and free up time for things like growth, cash flow planning, and team wellbeing.

Now, let’s look ahead to the new tax year and explore some practical ways to boost wellbeing after the busy season.

Time to celebrate and reflect

First things first, take a moment to celebrate! You made it through another stressful January. Now it’s a good time to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved.

Think about your practice’s processes and technology, but don’t forget about your team’s wellbeing and stress levels. As we head into a new tax year, consider what small changes you could make to improve things for yourself and your team. Here are a few ideas:

1. Connect with your community

Don’t underestimate the power of community. Connect with fellow accountants and bookkeepers at networking events, industry conferences, online groups and forums.

Beyond providing emotional support, your community can help you achieve your work goals. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, having a network of trusted accountants and bookkeepers you can talk to or collaborate with can help balance client obligations and take the pressure off.

With more people working remotely or in hybrid setups, it’s important to be intentional about staying connected. Schedule time for social activities within your practice and consider off-site days, retreats, and conferences. It’s often easier to check in on each other’s wellbeing when you’re face-to-face.

2. Embrace flexibility

Flexible working hours can make it much easier to balance your work and personal life. You can save hours of time by reducing your commute, either by avoiding peak times or working remotely. But one of the biggest benefits to your wellbeing is that you don’t have to pick between practice and personal life. If you’re supporting a loved one or recovering from a restless night, you can adjust your hours to match your energy levels.

Traditional 9-to-5 hours don’t work for everyone. Some people are more productive in the evenings, while others prefer to get things done early. Work with your natural rhythms to make the most of your day.

A change of scenery can also do wonders. Why not take your laptop on your travels and work from somewhere new? Whether it’s a short break or a longer trip, combine work with some well-deserved downtime.

Just remember to set boundaries when you’re working flexibly. It’s easy to overwork or blur the lines between work and personal time. Be clear with clients and colleagues about your working hours.

3. Keep learning and growing

Continuous learning is essential for wellbeing. Gaining new skills can grow your confidence and help you feel equipped to respond to changes in the industry. 

You could try incorporating skill sharing within your practice. Invite team members to give short talks or workshops on their areas of expertise. You could even set up an internal coaching program to help junior staff develop specialised skills and encourage more experienced team members to mentor and build connections.

4. A healthy mind leads to a healthy practice

By addressing mental health and wellbeing through small changes, you can build a healthier mind and a healthier practice. Take advantage of all the support that is available to ensure you can thrive not just through the end of tax season but all year round.

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