EXECUTIVE PREVIEW: Managing the Workload
In this survey, 703 responses were gathered in the period from July 16 through August 25, 2007. The vast majority (71%) of respondents work in public accounting; 64% at firms of 50 or fewer employees; and 66% as senior or C-Level executives.
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KEY FINDINGS
1. The problem of overwork is pervasive.
• 57% of CPAs report “frequent†or “crisisâ€-like stress issues.
• It’s bad: 58% of CPAs work 50 or more hours a week.
• It’s getting worse: 43% are more stressed than a year ago.
• Busy season is the worst: 91% work more than 50 hours a week.
2. The key reasons for the heavy workload are the accelerating pace of business and a shortage of human resources.
• Trying to keep up: 58%
• Business growth: 57%
• Staff shortage: 54%
3. The distinction between working and non-working hours has blurred almost completely.
• More than 93% routinely work evenings and weekends.
• 78% work on holidays.
• 43% work on vacation.
• 31% work in the car.
• 17% work while running household errands or “while pretending to listen to spouse.â€
4. Staying connected is an essential part of life today.
• Checking email: 81%
• Reviewing documents: 75%
• Reading work-related books, articles: 57%
• Checking voicemail: 48%
5. Many don’t like their situations and would change jobs if they could.
• 38% would consider changing jobs for better working conditions—even it means a pay cut.
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