Denise LeDuc Froemming , CPA , CAE , MBA President & CEO | CalCPA

If you ’ re like most people , you probably had a busy end to 2024 between end-of-year deadlines and the holidays . And , if you ’ re like most people , while you may have gotten some rest during the time off , it can be almost automatic to jump back into things , start having meetings and get rolling on projects — especially with the traditional tax season looming .

Before you jump into the hustle , though , it ’ s essential to keep your well-being — and that of your team ’ s — in mind .

The financial industry is no stranger to stress . Studies consistently rank accounting among the most stressful professions , with burnout being a significant concern during peak periods . The high demands of tax season can lead to long hours and mental exhaustion . So , maintaining well-being is essential for personal health , professional effectiveness and , yes , your bottom line .

Studies show that prioritizing employee well-being through wellness programs can significantly improve productivity , reduce absenteeism and lower health care costs , ultimately leading to increased profitability and a positive impact on the company ’ s financial performance .

One Harvard study showed that for every dollar companies invest in wellness programs , they save over $ 3 on medical costs and nearly $ 3 on absenteeism . Plus , these programs help create a company culture where employees feel valued , happy and motivated — leading to higher productivity , less turnover and a more engaged team overall .

The tone for this , as is often the case , starts at the top . For CPAs in leadership roles , modeling self-care sets the culture for the entire team . When leaders demonstrate healthy habits — such as taking breaks , prioritizing mental health and managing stress — they give their staff permission to do the same .

So , how ’ s this done ? Strategies and programs will look different from firm to firm depending on circumstances , but there are some entry-level steps to take , including offering stand-up desks , hold walk-and-talk meetings , block out “ no meeting ” times and include healthy snacks in the office .

For more tips , I invite you to look into our Mental Health Wellness series , which offers courses covering everything from stress reduction to overcoming burnout to building resiliency . Visit calcpa . org / education and search “ mental health ” for a list of courses .

Tax season will always be challenging , but it doesn ’ t have to come at the expense of health and well-being . By making wellness a priority , CPAs and finance professionals can navigate this demanding period with resilience and grace . Leaders who champion self-care set the stage for a healthier , happier and more productive workforce .

What strategies have worked for you ? What innovations have you implemented at your workplace ? I would love to hear from you ! Please share your experiences with me at Denise . Froemming @ calcpa . org . www . calcpa . org JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2025 CALIFORNIA CPA 3