How do accountants cope with stress?

Article Abstract:

Stress is a severe problem during tax season for about 23% of 221 accountants participating in a 1985 survey. Only one-half of the participants at the 1985 Tax Practitioner Institute take specific steps to reduce stress. More than 142 methods for coping with stress were mentioned by the respondents, with 27% mentioning breaks and time off, 19% regular exercise, and 17% recreational activities. Regular exercise and time with families and friends decline significantly during the tax season. Short-term relief through the use of alcohol, coffee, smoking, or snacking can produce negative long-term effects on individuals. Educational programs about stress-reducing techniques and rearrangement of stressful assignments could be beneficial.

Social aspects, Professional workers, Professional employees

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What are the sources and consequences of stress? Do men and women differ in their perceptions?

Article Abstract:

Gender differences in the perception of organizational and personal stress emerge from a survey of 54 male and 37 female certified public accountants in a Big Eight firm. Role conflict originated from organizational stressors for 64% of the male audit seniors and 79% of their female colleagues. Males felt that the stress of excessive job and time pressures could be reduced by coordination, while the females felt that sufficient authority to make decisions would reduce role conflict. Personal stressors were cited by 27% of the men and 30% of the women as the cause for role conflict. The personal stressors could be reduced for all auditors by the provision of time for family activities.

Psychological aspects, Working women

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Why is public accounting stressful? Is it especially stressful for women?

Article Abstract:

The primary causes of stress among public accountants are work overload, time pressure, and rigid accounting standards. The situation is aggravated by the state of the economy when cost-cutting and time-saving measures require long work days. Female certified public accountants may face additional occupational stress along the career path, in job discrimination, cross-gender relations, and pressures from home. Individual and organizational stress-reducing strategies are suggested.

Methods, Stress management

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