Since technology makes it easier to access work from any location, the traditional 9-to-5 work schedule is slowly becoming obsolete. The work-by-objective framework, which comes to us from the technology industry, has shown that you can reach company goals without sacrificing a healthy life-work balance.
Accounting firms are showing more and more interest in allowing employees to benefit from a more flexible work schedule. As long as they can easily be reached by phone or email, accounting professionals now can work from home, leave early on Fridays, or even try a 4-day week schedule.
Let's take a closer look at the advantages of a flexible work schedule for accounting professionals, as well as the strategies for implementing one.
What does a typical work schedule for Accounting Professionals look like?
For a long time, the 9 to 5 work schedule was practically undisputed, especially for those more traditional professions such as accounting and finance. These positions not only comply with a strict schedule and physical office time but often required long hours and weekends to meet deadlines during busy periods such as tax season. This can lead to burnout and discomfort.
But, while some accounting tasks do require a fixed schedule many other more systematic tasks can be carried out remotely or during non-traditional hours, such as analyzing financial data and preparing reports. The flexibility of a work schedule can help accounting professionals reduce stress, increase job satisfaction, and improve work-life balance.
Benefits of a Flexible Work Schedule
Staff turnover can be a problem for accounting firms. So, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of choosing a more flexible work Schedule.
Work-life balance
Everyone agrees that achieving a good work-life balance improves employees' well-being and overall predisposition to work. This includes spending quality time with loved ones, sharing family responsibilities, and saving precious commuting time.
Casual work wear
Some accounting firms have relaxed their dress code to allow employees to dress more comfortably and reduce the cost and time required to prepare for work. This applies not only to accountants who work at home but also to those who prefer the office.
Focus on results, rather than schedule
Employees will strive more to meet the company’s goals rather than stick to a schedule. Happy employees who take advantage of their benefits will make an effort not to lose them.
Going from 9-to-5 to Flexible
The transition from a traditional 9-to-5 schedule to a more flexible one can seem daunting at first for an accounting firm, but the benefits are well worth it.
Define communication and tracking tools
To create a successful flexible work schedule, communication is key. Employers and employees must work together to identify which tasks require a fixed schedule and which can be done remotely or during non-traditional hours. It's important to set clear expectations and guidelines to ensure that deadlines are still met and work is completed to a high standard.
Also, remote accounting employees need to know exactly how to indicate offline time and active working hours. This is crucial when hiring offshore accounting professionals in order to respect their time zones and special days.
How to structure a flexible work schedule?
One way to do it is to arrange tasks that require communication with clients during early office hours. Also having team meetings and report reviews early in the day can help everyone start the day with a clear image of what is happening. During the afternoon you can let remote accounting employees plan their own schedule for more repetitive tasks or reports that require concentration.
If you are willing to try reduced shifts or a 4-day week, we recommend you do it gradually to check for results and make sure that everyone has the time to adapt. For example, you can implement half-day Fridays or one remote day a month. It will quickly become obvious if there is a drop in productivity or if you can think of expanding the benefits.
Aim to job satisfaction for more long-lasting employees
A flexible work schedule can offer numerous benefits for accounting firms and their employees, including reduced stress, increased job satisfaction, and improved work-life balance. With advances in technology, accountants are no longer tied to a strict 9-to-5 schedule and can complete their work remotely or during non-traditional hours.
This translates into long-lasting work relationships and less turnover. It's time for the accounting industry to embrace the benefits of a flexible work schedule and join the growing trend of workplace flexibility.
