Happy International Women’s Day!  Yesterday (March 7), Thrive and the Institute’s Member Experience team welcomed over 100 guests to our Step into your Power Sparkling Lunch in celebration of International Women’s Day.   In the wonderful surroundings of the Dean Townhouse, we were joined by members and students of the chartered community who had travelled from all corners of Ireland to attend the event.  In her opening address, Dee France, from the Institute’s Thrive Wellbeing Hub, outlined the importance of shining a spotlight on some of the key challenges women continue to face in the workplace and at home, while celebrating the many advances made in recent times.  Guests enjoyed a keynote speech from Aoife Hughes, founder of FRAZZLE, entitled “How to run your home like a business” where attendees were encouraged to manage their time and boundaries more effectively while outsourcing and delegating the workload to give themselves more time for self-care ultimately leading to “calm in the chaos”.  Aisling McCaffrey, Director at Grant Thornton, facilitated a panel discussion covering some key issues of the day namely how to build confidence in the workplace, the importance of male allyship and how leaders can champion inclusion, and childcare reform and what the Institute is doing in this important area.  The panellists, Charlotte Rose Keating, founder Act on it Coaching, Andrew Keating, CFO at Musgrave and the Institute’s Tax and Public Policy Lead, Cróna Clohisey, shared many important insights into how they navigate their own personal challenges and successes both in their professional and personal lives.   The final segment of the afternoon was a fireside chat with President, Sinead Donovan and CASSI Chair Caelainn McGonigle.  Sinead outlined that, despite the many highs and lows in her 33 year career as a Chartered Accountant, the Institute had been the one constant during that time.  She shared her passion for sport and running and the importance of having a “release valve” when times get tough. Asking for help and leaning on the allies around you, was her parting advice for the #nextgen leaders of the future.   The event was also raising funds for two very important charities, CA Support (the Institute’s in-house charity and benevolent fund), and Women’s Aid, who had recently supported the Institute in the launch of its Domestic Violence Policy.  Brian Murphy, chair of CA Support, outlined the importance of donating vital funds to CA Support as the majority of the cases the charity support are families – mothers and fathers who have encountered adversity and are in dire need of assistance.   The final thoughts of the day were summed up by President Sinead Donovan, who implored anyone in the family of accountants who is struggling to seek out support from those around them.  Dee France, in her closing remarks, reminded all attendees of the Institute’s Thrive Wellbeing Hub and that the confidential service is open to all, whatever stage of their chartered journey.   Thank you to all who attended.  View photos from the event here.

Men can proactively contribute to dismantling gender barriers at work and challenging stereotypes. Dawn Leane explains how While much of the conversation concerning gender balance focuses on supporting women, men have a pivotal role to play in dismantling barriers, challenging stereotypes and reshaping organisational culture. Gender balance is not a zero-sum game. Men are also negatively impacted by outdated workplace environments – family-friendly policies aimed solely at women, for example. The active involvement of male allies can be an agent for positive change and can have a profound impact by raising awareness about gender bias, sexism and other forms of discrimination facing women in the workplace and wider society. Yet it can prove very challenging for men to confront the issues encountered by their female colleagues. The subject is complex and organisational culture and norms of behaviour often don’t support their intervention. Take, for example, the issue of everyday sexism at work. A report by Catalyst, an organisation committed to advancing the representation of women in the workplace, suggests that not only is it difficult to recognise sexism in the first place or deem it inappropriate, but men are often unsure of how to address the behaviour when they do recognise it. The report suggests that men’s willingness to intervene depends on two factors: personal agency and organisational climate. Men who are committed to dismantling sexism are more likely to take action. They are confident in their ability to interrupt and aware of the positive benefits of doing so for the common good. An unwillingness to interrupt a sexist event in their workplace is also influenced by organisational climate. Environments perceived by men to be more silencing, combative and futile are associated with a lack of response to sexism at work. As Peter Drucker famously said, ‘Culture eats strategy for breakfast’. How, then, can men help to create a workplace culture where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and succeed? Understand the issues: Men can start by informing themselves about the challenges women face in their workplace, bearing in mind that cultural issues can differ from team to team and from one organisation to the next. Challenge sexism and stereotypes: Actively challenging and questioning gender stereotypes involves avoiding assumptions about roles and capabilities based on gender. Use language that is neutral and avoids reinforcing gender stereotypes. Amplify the voices of women in the workplace: Create an environment that is psychologically safe for women to contribute. For example, give credit where it's due, acknowledge achievements and ensure that success is rewarded. Mentorship and sponsorship: Men can play a vital role in mentoring and sponsoring women within organisations. This involves offering guidance, providing opportunities for skill development and advocating for women in leadership positions. Advocate for equal opportunities: Men can use their positions of influence to advocate for equal opportunities. This includes pushing for fair selection practices, equal pay and creating policies that support work-life balance for all employees. Set an example: Demonstrating a commitment to gender balance through their own actions might involve actively participating in gender balance initiatives, acknowledging and rectifying biased behaviour and setting an example for others to follow. Speak up against discrimination: When men witness gender discrimination or inappropriate behaviour, it is crucial to speak up. Being an ally means actively confronting and addressing instances of discrimination, both direct and indirect. By embracing these actions, men can help create a more level playing field for their female counterparts – this can only be good for all involved. Dawn Leane is Chief Learning and Development Officer at Advancia

As part of the CAW's Global Wellbeing Taskforce, Thrive is delighted to introduce our revamped wellbeing toolkit for managers.  At Chartered Accountants Worldwide, we acknowledge the profound impact of mental health on work performance, relationships, and the overall quality of life. We delve into the importance of fostering employee wellbeing in our fast-paced industry. Depression and anxiety, prevalent mental health conditions, exert a significant economic toll, amounting to US$ 1 trillion each year on the global economy. Download CAW's Wellbeing Toolkit for managers in the accountancy profession. The Gallup Global Employee Survey paints a concerning picture, revealing that less than a quarter of the world's employees feel they are thriving at work, underscoring the urgency to address this growing challenge. The McKinsey Health Institute's extensive survey across 15 countries and 15,000 employees unearths a stark reality - 59% of the workforce grapples with mental health challenges, highlighting the imperative for employers to intervene and support their teams. This holds true for the Chartered Accountancy profession as well, where stress and burnout are issues, affecting over half of Chartered Accountants. Managers within this industry play a pivotal role in shaping a conducive work environment that fosters mental, emotional, and physical health. Recognising the direct link between comprehensive support and heightened engagement and productivity, it becomes both an ethical and strategic responsibility to manage wellbeing effectively. The Chartered Accountants Worldwide global wellbeing taskforce acknowledges this imperative and is proud to introduce our revamped wellbeing toolkit for managers. This toolkit stands as a comprehensive guide, arming managers with crucial insights, strategies, and best practices to cultivate a thriving and dynamic team. Above all, it emphasises the critical need to build resilience and purpose within the workplace, contributing to a more productive, rewarding, and compassionate work environment. Together, let's pave the way towards a brighter future for the Chartered Accountancy profession by prioritising mental health and fostering a culture of holistic wellbeing. Download CAW's Wellbeing Toolkit for managers in the accountancy profession.

Increase of accounting talent in 2–3-year Post Qualified Experience range expected in coming 18 months as professionals return from abroad Qualification now used far more widely outside traditional roles; soft skills increasingly important in profession Chartered Accountants Ireland and Barden announce new partnership to support next generation of students and members   29 January 2024 – The demand for qualified accountants is predicted to reach 10% above pre-pandemic levels in 2024, according to talent advisory and recruitment firm Barden. They also expect an increase in the supply of accounting talent in the 2–3-year PQE range in the coming 18 months, which should alleviate some of the pressure on companies trying to hire at this level.  Commenting Elaine Brady, Managing Partner, Barden Leinster said “Demand for talent is strong locally, and compounding this, the past two years have seen over a 30% increase in newly qualified accountant talent moving internationally after qualifying. An injection of highly qualified talent in the coming months will come as a relief to those hiring. The first five years PQE are a pivotal time for accounting professionals - those that are career orientated should expect to move role, internally or externally, between 2-3 times during this formative period. It’s a competitive space.  “Our data shows us that PQE level and salary level are becoming increasingly disconnected after the 3-year PQE mark - many more variables come into play, and it is no longer about PQE but about the ability to create value for a business outside of the accounting function.”  Chartered Accountants Ireland and Barden have today announced a renewed three-year strategic partnership building and expanding on an existing strong partnership between the two organisations. The partnership is focused on three programmes, the Chartered Accountants Student Society of Ireland (CASSI), Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society and Young Professionals, which have a particularly strong focus on the Institute’s strategic priority of engaging the next generation of students and members. The partnership will build opportunities for connectivity, engagement and belonging in the chartered community.  Commenting Sinead Donovan, President Chartered Accountants Ireland said  “This partnership comes at a time when people skills are becoming increasingly important within the accounting profession, and equally the role that accountants play and the value they create is much wider. For those working in business, many more are having an impact in operational and leadership roles, and in emerging areas such as data analytics and ESG functions. Increasingly Chartered Accountants are using their qualifications to create value outside of the accounting function.  “As a body, it is incumbent on us to ensure that our members are equipped for the expanding remit of our profession. Recruitment data shows that 64% of career opportunity come from your direct network - those you trained with, and those you have worked with, so the importance and direct impact on business growth of the Chartered Accountants member networks cannot be overstated.”  Elaine Brady, Managing Partner, Barden Leinster continued "This strategic partnership between Barden and Chartered Accountants Ireland is the culmination of over a decade of engagement between our two organisations - partnerships of this significance and scale don't just happen overnight.  We're delighted to have built the trust to now support Chartered members from their training through to qualification and through their formative PQE years. Helping people make informed decisions about their future, and enabling those decisions, is what we are all about in Barden; this partnership enables us to be there along each critical step with members as they chart the unknown waters of the future of work.” ENDS  

Edel Walsh explores transformative strategies to break free from the grip of constant scrolling  When I feel even the slightest bit bored, I pull out my smartphone. I scroll when queuing for my coffee, taking a break from work or when I should be working. When I wake up, I check in with my smartphone rather than checking in with myself. It is also the last thing I do at night.  After realising what I had been doing with my time, I knew I had to change this habit as I was losing hours to doom scrolling.  When I was taking my Chartered Accountancy exams, I had a mobile phone; however, at the time, mobile phones were only used for phone calls and texting. The phone was not the distraction it is today.  Dopamine hit When a person is scrolling on their phone, dopamine gets released from the brain into the bloodstream. As part of the internal reward system, it makes a person feel happy.  We all want to feel good and are guilty of continuous scrolling. Eventually, 45 minutes pass, and you decide to start studying. Your brain is going from a dopamine trigger to being forced to look at books. It is fair to say your brain will find it challenging to engage in productive study. A 2021 study by Oluwafemi J Sunday, Olusola O Adesope and Patricia L Maarhuis, The Effect of Smartphone Addiction on Learning, shows that smartphones negatively impact students' learning and overall academic performance.  The researchers also found that using mobile phones negatively impacts the skills and cognitive abilities needed for students’ academic success and learning. Here are a few simple tips to make your smartphone less appealing while studying. Remove the phone from your study environment The easiest way to avoid being distracted by your phone as you study is to remove it from the area where you are studying.  Research in 2017 by Dr Adrian Ward et al showed that students who kept their phone on the desk while studying performed the worst on their test. Students who kept their phone in their bag or jacket but still in the study environment performed on par with those who kept their phone on their desk while studying. The highest performers were the students who left their phone in a separate room. Make your phone boring When I reflected on my mobile phone behaviours, one of the first steps I took was to make my phone more boring. I deleted all the social media, news, and other apps that were distracting. When I need to check those services, I use the desktop version.  To start, delete at least one app that distracts you. See how this makes you feel and observe your phone behaviour. After a few days, see how you feel about deleting a few more.  Take a break from it all The purpose of study breaks is to rest your brain so you will feel rejuvenated when you return to the books – for many of us, reaching for our smartphone when on a break is an automatic habit.  To give your brain the rest it genuinely deserves, how about you: sit in silence with a cup of coffee; take a walk around the block; get some fresh air in nature; do a guided meditation or a short yoga pose; or read a magazine or a chapter of a book. In the quest for productivity and focused study, breaking free from the allure of constant smartphone use is of utmost importance. As we navigate the digital age, these strategies can offer a roadmap to balance, ensuring that our smartphones become tools for productivity rather than barriers to success. Edel Walsh is a student and exam coach. She supports her clients with their studies and exams by focusing on academic success and personal development and looking after their well-being. For more information, check out www.edelwalsh.ie

Getting a fresh start and the chance of clean slate is really appealing and creating some new year resolutions or goals means we start off on the right foot.  New habits and behaviours can be challenging they don’t happen overnight and can take commitment and dedication. The brain does not like swift, abrupt change, but the benefits can be very worthwhile, so think of this as an investment in yourself. The top ten resolutions each year include: Exercise more Lose weight Get organized Learn a new skill or hobby  Live life to the fullest Save more money / spend less money Quit smoking Spend more time with family and friends Travel more Read more Most of us can relate to some or all the resolutions listed. Resolutions and goals are unique to each of us, so perhaps before you create them consider the questions below: How would you like to feel? Will the resolution help you get there? Would you recommend this resolution to a friend of colleague? How will the resolution impact you? Are you removing something and simply making a change? What is the improvement you want to make and why? When it comes to new year resolutions almost half of us are unsuccessful at fulfilling them, so perhaps we need to consider how we approach them? Below are some tips which may help to keep you on track and ensure success. Be mindful When embarking on changing a habit or behaviour it is important to prepare mentally by taking a step back and taking stock. When thinking about any change try to keep in mind: Change should be gradual Build on smaller changes Remain positive Accept that there could be setbacks and allow for them Own them Ensure the goals you have set are yours and that this is something you want and not something which you think you should be aiming for. You have a far better chance for success if you are intrinsically motivated to reach your goal Be realistic Do not create a long list, limit the number of resolutions you commit to. Be selective about the ones which mean the most and are the most attainable for you.  Be specific It’s easy to set goals which we cannot achieve, so take some time to ensure they are achievable. A good suggestion is to use SMART to help you create them: Specific - What do you want to achieve, break it down, be specific Measurable - How can you measure if you have achieved it e.g., walk a mile in 20 minutes or lose 10% of your weight Attainable – Is the goal or resolution attainable Relevant - Keep it relevant to you, your life and how you want to improve it Timeline – Give yourself an appropriate deadline to work towards Small wins Break them up into small pieces.  As you tick off each box, your confidence will grow with each small success and spur you on. Share them By keeping the resolution to yourself you can fall into a trap and give up at the first hurdle. By sharing these with others you become accountable and less likely to forget or give in. You could also find that by sharing, other like-minded people may join you. Keep going Setbacks happen, but it is how you handle them that counts. Own the setback, understand how and why it happened and move on. Remember “the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” Lao Tzu. As we enter a New Year, the mind turns to self-improvement and personal growth, this may include taking better care of your mental health. The Institute’s wellbeing hub, Thrive, provides an array of mental health supports to members and students. Whether you need a listening ear, wellbeing advice or professional counselling, we are here for you. You can contact the team by email at: thrive@charteredaccountants.ie or by phone: (+353) 86 0243294