Almost a third (32 per cent) had been affected by stress, with a further quarter (26 per cent) admitting they suffered low energy and others citing significant weight gain/loss (13 per cent) or aggressiveness (14 per cent).

The research revealed that just under half (43 per cent) of accountants are working over 50 hours a week or more, with 17 per cent of accountants working over 60 hours or more.  Despite nine-in-ten accountants accepting that a poor work/life balance reduces the quality of their work, eight-in-ten accountants (77 per cent) believe that their career progression would be hindered if they gave greater priority to personal interests and/or family. And nearly two-thirds of accountants (65 per cent) believe that being a “workaholic” increased an employee’s chance of being promoted.

When accountants were asked what would motivate them to work even longer hours, nearly half cited either pay rise (23 per cent) or promotion (25 per cent), whilst a quarter would do it for the enjoyment of work (25 per cent). 

However, a considerable number of accountants are ready to blame their bosses or industry bodies for their poor work-life balance. Nearly three-quarters of accountants believe the industry is not doing enough to curb long hours (74 per cent) and nearly half (45 per cent) revealed that management does not encourage employees to use up all annual leave.

Work commitments are impacting on personal life, with only a quarter admitting they had always been able to get to important events outside work,  20 per cent revealed they had missed a family holiday, 12 per cent had  missed a birthday party and  18 per cent had either missed an important school event for a child or funeral (9 per cent respectively);

Two-thirds (66 per cent) of accountants believe that teachers have the best work/life balance, only 6 per cent thought accountants had the best work/life balance but investment bankers, renowned for their long hours, were bottom of the league with just 2 per cent.

Only one respondent chose to sleep when asked how they would use an extra ten hours a week, whilst most choose to spend it with family and friends (60 per cent), followed by 19 per cent opting for hobbies and other interests. Fourteen per cent of accountants believe that Swedish accountants are best at managing their best work-life balance with French accountants in second place (10 per cent) and Russians faring the worst with no votes.

Max Williamson, CEO at CareersinAudit.com comments: “Our research reveals that many accountants have a hard work ethic and are extremely committed to their company.  However employers need to be mindful not to set a precedent that workaholics are favoured more than others when it comes to promotions or pay-rises. Particularly when employees’ health is at risk or staff are having to miss significant family events such as christenings, holidays or funerals.

“Whilst the study revealed that nearly half of bosses have greater awareness of the work-life imbalance issue compared to three years ago, many accountants are cynical that this has had any real impact in their workplace."

"Bosses need to be taking pro-active steps to ensure greater flexibility with working hours and to highlight the importance of spending time with family and friends.  Surely happier less stressed staff will produce a better quality of work?”

See also:

• Finance staff working longer hours