Wellbeing news

Have you ever had someone ask how you are doing and you are at a loss of how to answer or at a loss to how you are actually feeling. That blah, indifference to anything and everything type of feeling – you could be experiencing languishing. This not-so-new concept has become quite commonplace in the last few years and is a concept we are hearing more about. Here Thrive explains what languishing is and what we can do about it. What is languishing? There is a lot more to mental health than just being good or bad, it is a spectrum. In an attempt to create a deeper understanding of mental health, it can be categorised into four levels: Flourishing – peak mental health Good to moderate mental health Languishing – poor mental health Depression – experiencing a mental health condition Languishing is wrapped in the middle of the mental health continuum; it is the absence of mental wellness, a state of not being at your best but not at your worst either. First introduced by psychologist Corey Keyes in 2002, languishing, as Keyes describes it, is an emptiness and stagnation, constituting a life of quiet despair. It is a feeling of numbness, where you experience few strong emotions. It is a lack of engagement and apathy, a place where you simply remain in a state of neutrality. What Languishing looks like? Languishing is that ambivalent feeling as if life is something that happens, rather than something that you actively cultivate, participate in, and enjoy. Here are some of the feelings or experiences that can come with languishing: Feeling disconnected or dissociated Feeling deeply lonely or isolated A lack of motivation or procrastinating Struggling to focus Feeling like you’re not functioning to full capacity Inability to describe your feelings or experience any strong emotions A sense of emptiness or dullness Feeling as if you are just going through the motions, feel trapped or stuck Feel like life is missing something, there is nothing to look forward to Not thinking or particularly caring about the future Rarely have strong opinions In AXA’s 2023 global Mind Health study, it found a higher percentage of people (28%) were languishing compared to those who were flourishing (24%). The study also revealed woman experience languishing more than men at 30% compared to 25%. It also found Ireland had an above-average percentage of languishing at 29% compared to our global counterparts. Other research has shown a continued state of languishing can increase the risk of experiencing mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders and major depression down the line. What to do about it? In his work on flourishing, Dr. Martin Seligman concluded the best method to move from a state of languishing to flourishing is the PERMA model which stands for: Positive emotions This may sound like an obvious but difficult area to integrate into your daily life but by consciously experiencing positive emotions we can learn to improve our wellbeing. Positive emotions are a prime indicator of flourishing and have numerous benefits - improving our thinking, acting, and cognitive ability. Find ways to deliberately increase positive emotions in your life and if repeatedly exercised, these positive emotions will become noticed and automatic over time. Start small by practicing gratitude, writing down things you are grateful for, things you love, appreciate, and feel good about. Engagement Engagement refers to being fully immersed in a particular activity that consumes our attention in a positive way. This is often referred to as flow, it is living in and focusing entirely on the present moment and the task at hand. When we are in a state of flow we perform to our peak and experience less anxiety. Take a look at our recent article on how to find your flow state. Relationships Having positive relationships with understanding and respect yields a deep sense of connection and support. Investing time and energy into fostering close relationships enhances our resilience and wellbeing. Research has demonstrated that sharing good news, celebrating success, and responding enthusiastically to others increases intimacy, wellbeing and overall satisfaction. Meaning Meaning or purpose in life looks different for everyone but it is based on the things that bring your life value. Seligman discussed meaning as belonging or serving something greater than ourselves and helps us focus on what is important in life. If you are looking for meaning, try and engage in small activities at first that leave you feeling fulfilled afterwards – this could be anything from volunteering to a small random act of kindness. Accomplishments A sense of accomplishment is the result of working toward and reaching a goal you have set for yourself. Accomplishments can boost our morale by helping us feel productive, that we are moving forward, and can give us a huge sense of pride. Set small, challenging but realistic goals and check them off once completed – this can fuel our motivation, sense of achievement, and ultimately our happiness. If you feel as if you are in floundering in a state of languishing, the Thrive wellbeing team is professionally trained to offer wellbeing advice and support to help you on your journey to a thriving and flourishing life. You can contact the wellbeing team by email at: thrive@charteredaccountants.ie or by phone: (+353) 86 0243294.

In the quest for academic excellence, the age-old inquiry about the perfect study plan endures. Edel Walsh delves into the art of crafting study plans that align performance objectives with the cadence of life One of the most common questions students ask is if I can give them a study plan or schedule that will help them get the grades they are looking for in the exam.  When it comes to study plans, there is no magic bullet. There is not one study plan out there that works for all students. We are all different and have different learning styles, so your plan needs to work for you.  Not only do you need to consider the amount of study required to complete your exams successfully, but how your study will fit into your busy life.  When creating your study plan, you must consider your extracurricular activities, relationships and other commitments. Creating your study plan The first step when creating your plan is setting a performance goal. That goal might be to pass your exams or get a particular grade.  When you set this performance goal, you must understand what is required to achieve it. What is expected of you?  Next, do a time budget, looking at what you must cover with available time. Is it realistic? If not, how can you go about re-prioritising?  Try not to be too rigid with your study plan. You are looking for a bird’s eye view of the road ahead, not a minute-by-minute schedule for every day. Once you have created your high-level plan, break the study schedule down weekly. Weekly study plan At the beginning of each week, set yourself weekly priorities. Ensure your study plan is realistic. Otherwise, it can feel overwhelming, which might result in procrastination and feeling de-motivated. Ask yourself the following questions as you plan for your week: What are my top priorities? What are my learning goals? What subjects do I need to spend the most time on? What obstacles might I face this week? How can I overcome these obstacles? What extracurricular activities have I planned? How am I going to look after my well-being? Daily study plan At the start of each daily study session, set a learning goal outlining what you would like to have learned or achieved by the end of the day.  When planning your day, schedule time for examining yourself on what you have learned and time for breaks.  If you are doing focused, deep study, it is vital to schedule productive deep breaks.  A deep break is not like your lunch break, which may be 45 to 60 minutes long.  A deep break is a mind-cleanser that doesn’t fracture your focus like social media or doomscrolling can. Instead, go for a walk, make a quick snack or daydream.  While every student is different, I recommend taking a deep break of about 10 minutes after 60 to 90 minutes of study.  After your study session, reflect on what you did that day. Here are some questions you can ask yourself: What went well with my study today? What could have gone better? What do I need to learn or study more of for more learning mastery? What one thing can I do tomorrow to make it better than today?  Staying on track While studying, it can be so easy to lose focus. Having a good study plan will help you stay on track and help you stay focused.  A good plan and setting realistic learning goals is the key to success. Ensure your plan is flexible, and be open to changing it if it is not working for you.   Edel Walsh is a student and exam coach. She supports her clients with their studies and exams using the holistic approach of focusing on academic success, personal development and looking after their well-being. For more information, email edel@edelwalsh.ie

Exam prep, study and practising in exam-day conditions are all important to acing your exams. Caelainn McGonigle knows it's important to take care of yourself, as well During your Chartered education, stress is unavoidable. When you experience high levels of stress, it can present itself by impacting physical and mental health.  Below are several steps to mitigate these stressors and give ourselves the best opportunity to excel when it counts. Sleep When we are stressed, it's easy to think of sleep as “time-consuming”, but allowing our mind and body to rest is critical to our success.  By the time we reach exam week, countless hours will have been spent preparing by attending lectures, revising notes and attempting sample papers. Without achieving seven to nine quality hours of sleep a night, we risk restricting our exam performance on the day.  If you encounter difficulties resting in the lead up to your exams, attempt to close the books an hour earlier and reduce screen time before bed. Exercise and fresh air Taking a break to move your body and relish the fresh air enables your mind and body to relax and reset.  Exercise, whether walking, running or cycling, can moderate our stress levels and improve sleep quality.  When heading outside, you might prefer to enjoy the silence of the outdoors, or need a little motivation to move your body, such as listening to a podcast or music – either is excellent for your mind and body as long as you are getting your heart pumping. Nutrition Maintaining nutritional balance in your meals can be taxing when stressed. It can lead us to over-indulge in meals and snacks, or forgo them all together. We must uphold a nutritious diet to aid focus levels and sustain energy.  Meal planning in advance of high-stress periods, like exam week, along with keeping enjoyable snacks to hand, is a sure way to remain fuelled when working hard.  Positive mindset during exams Stress can amplify our emotions. Preserving a positive mindset and prioritising being gentle with ourselves is critical.  It's important to remember the efforts you have made to reach exam season. The groundwork is complete, and it’s time to flaunt what we have learned.  Exams are important, but maintaining our health is a necessity. If you struggle with positivity, try subscribing to a “quote of the day” app or social media page – it may give you the boost you need at just the right time! Reach out If stress is increasing faster than you can handle, reach out to a fellow student, friend or family member.  Alternatively, the amazing Thrive team and the Chartered Accountants Ireland Wellbeing Hub are on hand to offer help and support throughout our journey.  We have excelled through stressful situations in the past. Accept that stress is unavoidable but manageable, and you haven’t come this far only to come this far. Caelainn McGonigle is PR Officer with CASSI and a trainee with Gilroy Gannon

As back-to-school season approaches, employers can aid parents with flexible work options that foster work-life balance and increased productivity, explains Gemma O’Connor The back-to-school season is nearly underway as kids and parents prepare for the new school year. This can be a busy time for working parents, particularly for parents of children facing a milestone like starting primary or secondary education. So, what can employers do to help staff balance their home and work lives? Communicate with your staff Most employees should be able to predict when they might need extra flexibility to help their children settle into their new surroundings. Different employees will have different requests depending on their child’s level of education. As each employee will have different requirements, there is no silver bullet for managing this situation other than to ensure that you listen to staff and make efforts to accommodate any supports they request. Consider flexible work options If an employee requests flexibility during back-to-school season, consider it and what solution might work best for both parties. Some solutions could include: Working from home on certain days; Early finishes/late starts on certain days; Compressed hours; and Staggered hours. While you have no obligation to grant requests for flexibility, a blunt refusal to accommodate working parents increases the likelihood of alienating employees. Employees who feel let down by their employer are also likely to spread the news of their bad experiences, resulting in reputational damage and hindering your recruitment and retention efforts. Treat people fairly If only working parents are granted flexible work options during the school year, you also risk frustrating employees who don’t receive comparable benefits just because they don’t have children. It’s important to avoid granting privileges to parents only. If you provide benefits to working parents based on promoting work-life balance, you should extend the same flexibility to staff who need to care for an elderly parent or a spouse who’s ill, for instance. If you operate your workplace on the basis that everyone will need flexibility at one time or another, all staff will buy in and the organisation will avoid employee unrest that could develop if only working parents enjoy flexible work options. Prepare for new workers’ statutory rights The Work Life Balance Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 has been partially in force since 3 July. Once fully in force, this new piece of employment legislation will introduce five statutory rights for employees to foster a better work-life balance and to support staff with caring responsibilities. In summary, the Act introduces the following rights: Five days’ unpaid leave for medical care purposes for parents of children under 12 and carers; Five days’ paid leave for victims of domestic violence; The right to request flexible working for parents and carers; The right to request remote working for all employees; and The right to breastfeeding breaks extended to two years from the date of the child’s birth. Employers should be ready to receive requests from employees in line with this employment law scheduled to come into effect in full this autumn. Find balance Recognising the needs of working parents during the back-to-school period is crucial for fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Working parents often encounter added responsibilities as schools reopen, from adjusting schedules to managing childcare. By understanding these challenges and providing flexibility, employers can mitigate stress, enhance employee well-being and maintain productivity. Acknowledging the unique demands of working parents (and extending the same benefits to non-parent employees) promotes a harmonious balance between professional duties and family responsibilities. Gemma O’Connor is Head of Service at Peninsula Ireland

Lots of us are good at showing compassion and kindness to other people. What many of us aren't great at is showing ourselves the same understanding. Our inner critic and negative self-talk can be hard to ignore. But dwelling on mistakes and focusing on faults makes it hard to maintain personal resilience and good mental wellbeing. We could all use a little more self-compassion. The concept of self-compassion has three important elements: Mindfulness - being aware of your thoughts and feelings without judging them or dwelling on them Common humanity - a recognition that no one is perfect and that we all make mistakes Self-kindness - caring for yourself the way you would a friend or loved one in a similar situation Why is self-compassion good for your mental wellbeing? Research shows that people who exercise higher levels of self-compassion tend to be more resilient than those who don't. They have less of a physical response to stressful situations and spend less time dwelling on them after the fact. This is partly because self-compassion involves actively recognising your strengths and achievements, which boosts self-confidence and our belief in our ability to cope with difficult situations. But self-compassion also has an impact on our biology. Stress is your body's natural response to a perceived threat, sometimes called the 'fight or flight' response. A study by the Universities of Exeter and Oxford has found that exercising self-compassion helps to calm the heart rate and shut down this threat response. Participants in the study demonstrated a state of relaxation and security. They also reported feeling a stronger connection with other people. If you exercise self-compassion, you're also more likely to adopt healthy self-care behaviours such as getting plenty of exercise, eating well and establishing healthy sleep patterns. Put simply, you're more likely to make choices that boost your physical health, which is crucial for your mental wellbeing.  Self-compassion also encourages personal and professional development, which in turn improves our confidence and self-esteem. That's because it allows us to consider our strengths and skill set objectively without fear of criticism and judgement. We're then able to identify areas for improvement and make a change for the better. 5 ways to show yourself more compassion At its heart, self-compassion is about self-care or looking after yourself the way you would a friend. In fact, thinking about what you might say to a loved one in a similar situation is a good starting point. What advice would you give them? Here are a few ways you can start showing yourself a little more kindness and understanding: Practice mindfulness - learn how to notice and observe your thoughts without judging them. Mindfulness encourages you to be curious and self-aware, understanding that your thoughts and assumptions are just that. They're not facts. Reward yourself - celebrate your successes and achievements. Keep a list of your personal skills and strengths to review in moments of self-doubt Take a break - time away from your day-to-day routine and a change of scenery can help you keep things in perspective Strengthen your connections - kindness is contagious! By showing love and understanding to the people who are important to you, you're more likely to show yourself the same compassion Do things you enjoy - spending time on our passions, hobbies and interests is good for the soul. Article reproduced with the kind permission of CABA, the organisation providing lifelong support to ICAEW members, ACA students and their close family around the world.

In today’s rapidly changing world, organisations are embracing inclusive leadership. Karin Lanigan explores what it means, why it matters, and the essential traits of effective inclusive leaders As a result of recent seismic and lasting changes in the workplace, many organisations are now adopting an inclusive approach to leadership. What is inclusive leadership, and why does it matter? A complex and diverse world We are operating in an increasingly complex world that is constantly evolving. The pace and enormity of the changes taking place require a different approach to leadership: inclusive leadership. A new leadership style is required To be an effective leader now requires a move away from a traditional style of leadership to an inclusive leadership approach. This doesn’t mean that the conventional aspects of leadership are defunct. In fact, the core fundamentals of leadership still apply. However, moving to inclusive leadership involves a change from an autocratic, top-down, centralised leadership approach to a more decentralised, democratic, shared and participative process involving employees across all levels of the organisation. Traits of an inclusive leader An inclusive leader is aware of their own biases and proactively seeks out, encourages and considers different perspectives to facilitate better decision making and more effective collaboration. They strive to ensure that colleagues are treated equally, feel a sense of belonging and value, and work in a psychologically safe space where they can contribute and are supported to achieve their full potential. There is no doubt that inclusive leadership is now a critical capability. The core skills and competencies that are typically exhibited by inclusive leaders include: Self-awareness. Inclusive leaders have a strong awareness of their own biases and blind spots. Similarly, a high level of emotional intelligence enabling the effective management of emotions, their own and those of others, is fundamental.  Empathy. Being an inclusive leader requires having both the willingness and capacity to comprehend and acknowledge the emotions and viewpoints of others. Cultural intelligence. Inclusive leaders aim to establish a workplace that welcomes and values all cultures, allowing everyone to make meaningful contributions. This requires a sense of curiosity and a willingness to learn about different cultures and their traditions. Communication. Clear and effective communication supports an inclusive leadership style. Inclusive leaders look to understand and adapt their communication style to be understood by a diverse audience.  Collaboration. Inclusive leaders foster an environment that is psychologically safe, enabling every member to contribute their ideas and innovations to achieve better outcomes. Commitment and courage. Inclusive leaders are role models, challenge the status quo, and advocate for others.   Why does inclusive leadership matter? Much research has been conducted to assess the benefits of inclusive leadership. The results point to increased staff engagement, attraction and retention; improved workplace relations, communication and collaboration; enhanced transparency resulting in higher levels of trust; better decision-making and problem-solving arising from more varied insights and contributions; and increased innovation and creativity by bringing diverse skills and perspectives together. Ultimately, inclusive leaders significantly enhance employee engagement, performance and overall business results. There is no doubt that inclusive leadership is now a critical and unique capability and one that can support career progression and the achievement of personal and corporate potential.  Karin Lanigan is Head of Member Experience at Chartered Accountants Ireland

Maria McHugh shares how she set boundaries, shed the notion that she “can do it all”, and that achieving a successful career while prioritising family is possible with the right mindset and support Growing up, I had a keen interest in business and enterprise. Because of this, I completed a BSc in Finance at University College Cork, and, after considering career options, I felt that becoming a Chartered Accountant was the best fit for me and a good start to my business career.  This, however, wasn’t without its challenges. Coming back after a break Like many women, I had to make a decision about having children and consider how my career would be impacted.  Between 2014 and 2021, my husband and I had three children, and during that time, we decided that I would be a full-time stay-at-home mum because of a lack of childcare availability.  This unplanned, seven-year break in my career had a much bigger impact on me mentally than I ever would have thought. I felt that I had lost my professional self. I didn’t realise how important that identity was to me.  I watched as my peers’ careers progressed and felt left behind.  After seven years at home, I started to consider what returning to work would look like; frankly, it was terrifying.  I suffered from post-natal depression after my second baby, and it left me with low confidence and self-belief. Thankfully, earlier in my career, I met Karin Lanigan in Member Services at Chartered Accountants Ireland, and I always remembered her openness and honesty.  Personal priorities While I wanted my career back on track, it was also important that I continue to be available for my children. I lost my mum at 13 years old, so it has always been especially important to me to be at home for my children. I had to consider what type of professional role I wanted and how to balance my work and home life.  I felt passionate about helping start-ups, sole traders and being involved in local enterprises. Having completed the Chartered Accountants Ireland Diploma in Tax in 2018, opening my accountancy and tax practice seemed the best fit for me and the family.  I was excited by the prospect, but I was also incredibly overwhelmed, daunted, and the self-doubt and fear were crippling.  I had three small children, was moving from Dublin back to my native Dungarvan, and was now opening my own practice. It seemed insurmountable. Karin guided me in breaking the tasks into manageable steps and helped me see that this was achievable. Professional Standards and Practice Consulting were also very supportive, and I was delighted that so much support was offered by Chartered Accountants Ireland.  While on my journey back into the workplace, I was really heartened by all the supports that were available through the Institute, and I hope these only grow and extend to more women.  In some ways, I think women put themselves under too much pressure with the social narrative that “we can do it all”. I think we are our own worst critics, and we can each have an expectation for ourselves that we should be doing everything, and when we don’t, we think we are failing.   This perception is false and needs to change. It is OK to choose to stay at home with young children, and that  decision should not feel detrimental to our career or be something we need to explain or justify.  For me, it is all about balance, and this is personal to every family. We are all just doing our best to have a career in whatever way possible to suit our family life.  Setting boundaries Since I started my business, I have always had the mindset that I am going at my own pace.  The aim of having my own practice was that I could balance both my career and my family life but I recognised early on that working in my practice full time was just not going to work for my family. As a result, I learned how to say no. I created boundaries around my work schedule, especially during school holidays, and I don’t apologise  for it.  I sometimes think that women feel they need to be singularly career-orientated and driven to succeed to be taken seriously or that admitting the kids come first is a weakness. I don’t agree at all.  At the start of the summer, I announced on social media that I was taking a step back from work for the school summer holidays. The support from peers and clients was fantastic. People told me that my being upfront about the summer break was refreshing and inspired other parents to do the same.  It’s like anything – if you don’t see it being done, you don’t realise you can do it. This doesn’t mean that I am not career-driven or don’t have aspirations for my own business. But this is a marathon, not a sprint, and I will do it in my own time. Building your tribe Networking is vital to sole practitioners for promoting themselves and, more importantly, building solid support. When I started my practice, I had no colleagues to bounce ideas off or to ask questions. I feel strongly that this kind of support is important for my personal development, so I reached out to a fellow mum in practice from my PwC days and asked how she would feel about coming together to set up a small group.  We now have a core group of four accountants (also mums) in practice. We support each other, answer technical questions and get opinions on issues we come across. This group has been vital to growing my confidence and has shown me that there are others also dealing with the same problems. In my experience, the most important qualities for women in business are self-belief and self-confidence.  I am a great champion of women and our abilities but I have struggled with self-confidence in the last few years. When left unchecked, this self-doubt can be very limiting.  I would love to see the topic of low self-confidence as ways to manage it spoken about more. My self-confidence has grown over time, but it is something I work on and still struggle with to this day.  The more it is discussed, the more women will realise, like me, that they are not alone in this mental battle.  I am also very lucky to be a member of the 2023 Chamber of the Year, Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber. Through this membership I have found another group of like-minded women on their own business journey. We support each other, attend events together and help each other when we can.  Finding your tribe in business is so important and having that sense of community and support from different groups has had a positive impact on my own business and personal development. Maria McHugh is Founder Owner of McHugh Accounting and Consultancy

William is a Chartered Accountant who had his own business, but due to circumstances beyond his control he lost his business, his home and suffered greatly as a result. Thanks to your donations, CA Support has helped William throughout these difficult times, and he has given his permission for us to share his story with you. As a Chartered Accountant, I worked with a professional firm until 1985 when the entire department in which I worked was made redundant. With a partner I started my own  business importing clothing and accessories from Hong Kong. It was very successful; the items were sold in exclusive outlets throughout the country. All went well until a supermarket chain sold identical items at a much lower price. My business partner left me with extensive business debts, so I had no choice but to sell my home. I was not aware CA Support until I rang to explain why I could not pay my annual subscription fee. It was a huge relief to discover that there was support available to me. I worked hard to get my qualification and wanted to keep my membership up to date. On the initial call I explained my circumstances and it was a relief to have a friendly non-judgmental voice on the phone. There was a lot of unemployment at the time due to a severe economic downturn. To help those affected, the Benevolent Society (CA Support) hired the ballroom in the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge and asked me to address the large audience of accountants. The Institute then set up a small department to assist and offer advice to those who were unemployed. I was very glad I was able to help. I don’t know how I would have managed in the years that followed without their support. I am a very independent person, so the lack of control over my life was extremely difficult to accept. I was unable to find employment, my age went against me and I was also told that I was over-qualified. I turned to writing and had some short stories and magazines published. But the money didn’t cover a fraction of my outgoings. Unfortunately, in the winter of 2013 I found myself homeless. I approached the DLR Housing Department and was initially promised accommodation but, the promise was not fulfilled. It was only with the help of a compassionate community officer and my rector that my situation was resolved. Thankfully, I now have a home again.  I don’t know if I will ever forget that fearful experience, of not knowing what was going to happen to me. I still struggle to find words to express how awful it was. With assistance from CA Support I was able to go in a new direction. I continued with my writing, gave a series of public talks on the effect of suicide on those left behind and I gave a talk on the emotional impact of homelessness on mental health at the request of The Irish Council of Churches. For this, I could draw on my own personal experience of having been homeless. I have no doubt that there are others who have stories to tell on how CA Support has helped their lives and continue to do so. Speaking for myself, I hope that those who can will continue to support this organisation. William Blackall Hear from others, like William, who have share their stories and received assistance from CA Support during times of crisis.  Video: Jane and Michael share their stories Video: Karen Rafferty speaks about the assistance and support she received when her daughter Niamh was diagnosed with a brain tumour.  Beneficiary Stories CA Support are supporting our members and their families always. If you would like to help or if you need help please contact us by email or on 01 637 7342 or 086 024 3294.

Strong social connections not only impact our mental health but our physical health too. In today’s world, we lead increasingly busy lives and often our relationships can sadly fall by the wayside. Feeling socially connected is more important than ever, especially after a long period where our social interactions are restricted, and our close circle reduced. In celebration of International Friendship Day (July 30), Thrive discuss the importance of maintaining and prioritising our relationships for our overall health. We're designed to be social We all know that comforting upbeat feeling of human connection, when you come away from a catch up with friends feeling more positive, happier, and even lighter. As a species, human beings are inherently social creatures.  We are biologically wired to seek out connection from a time where humans hunted in tribes and being part of a group was necessary for survival. Humans need closeness, connection, and a sense of unity to thrive. Social connection is one of our core psychological needs which means it plays an essential role in how safe and satisfied we feel in our lives. Social groups provide us with an important part of our identity, forming who we are and teach us a set of skills and norms that help us to function throughout life. In today’s world though we lead increasingly busy lives trying to juggle and balance work, family, and other commitments. Often our friendships can fall to the wayside. However, strong connection and belonging to something bigger than ourselves are important for our overall health and wellbeing. The benefits of connectedness should not be overlooked, and therefore as a society we should be placing greater emphasis on investing in our friendships. The more connected we feel to other people, the more enriched our life becomes. Friendship and being part of a social group offer a variety of mental health benefits. It increases our feeling of belonging, boosts our sense of purpose, and improves our self-worth and confidence. Connectiveness helps us regulate our emotions, leads to higher levels of empathy and compassion, and can even reduce our stress levels. Studies show that people who feel connected to others report lower rates of anxiety and depression. Not only does good social connection impact our psychological wellbeing, its impacts our physical health as well. Countless studies have shown a lack of human connection and feelings of loneliness are more harmful to our health than obesity, smoking and high blood pressure. By neglecting our need to connect, we put our health at risk. It can even lengthen our lives. Extensive research that looked at the lifestyles of inhabitants within Blue Zone areas, a term given to geographically regions that are home to some of the world’s oldest people, found healthy social networks and high levels of community engagement were commonalities among the differing zones. Our relationships and social groups can alter the course of our life, shape the person we are and can change our perception of ourselves and the world as well as offer an important support system.  So as you can see, social connectedness creates a positive cycle of good social, emotional and physical wellbeing. To forge happy and healthy relationships, it is very important we continually attend to and nurture our connection with the people we consider important in our lives. After an incredibly long period where our social interactions were restricted and ultimately reduced, you may find your sense of connection has diminished. Here are some ways you can improve your social health and reignite your connection with others; Reach out to a friend you may have lost touch with, remember it’s never too late to spark up an old friendship! Take time to ring or meet up with a friend you have not seen in a while. Join a new club or try out a group activity: focus in on your interests and you’ll be sure to find a club or group full of like-minded people. Volunteer: this can strengthen your sense of purpose, provides an opportunity to meet new people and give back to your community. Invite a co-worker out for lunch: now we have more freedom to socialise why not reconnect with your favourite work colleague or arrange a work group activity. Spend quality time with family: this could be planning a family BBQ, a movie night on the weekend or a family day out. Be Present: Step away from your devices when you are in company and have an uninterrupted chat. Social isolation is a challenging aspect of life to cope with and is detrimental to your health, please know the Thrive team  is here to lend a friendly ear, if and when you need it.

The constant flood of emails, coupled with the expectation of instant responses, can leave us feeling tethered to our inboxes, jeopardising our ability to focus on important tasks. Moira Dunne provides strategies to strike a balance between responsiveness and productivity Email is an essential business tool that can dominate our workdays. The volume of email seems higher than ever and there is an increasing expectation of instant response. We feel we need to be in touch all the time, which plays havoc with plans to get other work done resulting in more time being spent on other people’s priorities. And time is not the only issue when it comes to email. Email notifications on our screens are compelling and very difficult to ignore. High email volumes result in an interrupted work environment. Studies show that this impacts the quality of our work, our ability to make decisions and to think things through. Once distracted by an email alert, it can take up to 23 minutes to get the same level of focus back. So, how can we reduce this impact on our time and performance? Manage your response time We have become very responsive, often answering emails immediately, even when we don’t need to. To start to win back time, look for the opportunity to manage this better. First, think about your email statistics: How many emails do you get each day? How many interruptions is that? How important are those emails? Do they all require an instant response? Second, consider all your stakeholders. What is the agreed response time? What is their expectation when it comes to email responses? Once you have answered the questions about your emails and consider your stakeholder needs, you are able to go to all concerned parties (manager, colleagues, stakeholders) to discuss and agree on an acceptable response time that allows you to work productively but also manage other’s expectations. Spend less time on email To start to spend less time on email, there are two ways you can proceed: checking and processing. Checking email When checking your email, do a quick scan to check what emails have arrived and respond to anything urgent. You can do this as many times as you need to throughout the day. Processing email When processing emails, flag messages that require a response and then sort your inbox by the flag so that these emails stay at the top of your inbox until processed and unflagged. Because you have flagged the emails needing a reply, and they sit at the top of your inbox for your attention, you can schedule productive email processing/response time blocks in your diary. However, between those time blocks, you must mute or close out of email to give yourself time for other work, free of email alerts and distractions. You are still responsive to email but in a controlled way. Email time blocking is an increasingly common work practice that people are using to boost their productivity. Breaking the ‘always on’ habit It can be hard to step away from work when you need to. Start small by figuring out what checking frequency you need to stay in touch with your clients. Pick a day when your email volume is usually lower (perhaps on a Friday). Take a morning and try to alternate between checking and processing, using a time block. When you figure out which method works for you, build it into your schedule/email habits day by day until you have learned to manage your email productively. Moira Dunne is Founder of beproductive.ie Moira is providing a free monthly webinar series on the last day of each month. Her next webinar is on Friday, 25 August on how to reset after summer

Retirement is one of the biggest transitional periods than anyone can go through with almost every aspect of our life changing. Suddenly you are met with a massive shift in your pace of lifestyle. While many of us may embrace the change, retirement can be a time of great upheaval physically and emotionally.  With this in mind, it is important to plan and prepare for the change ahead as you embark on this transitional life stage.  A long and fulfilling retirement isn’t just about a pension plan, it also about planning for your lifestyle shift. Without a plan in place, the initial novelty of retirement can wear off pretty quickly, leaving you to struggle to adapt to your new way of life.  Routine & schedule Adjusting to retired life is not something that happens overnight, and it may take a while to adapt. So do try to remember that like any big change in life, it'll take time for you to become accustomed to what comes with retirement. When working we have an imposed schedule and structure but once the 9 to 5 comes to an end, it can be incredibly difficult to fill all the extra hours you now have at your disposal. Across all stages in life, structure and routine are key habits that lead to good wellbeing. It may be tempting to fill your days with laze and leisure which is novel and exciting at first, but feelings of boredom or restlessness can creep in especially if you have been used to a busy schedule. You may want to define some specific routines to maintain order, predictability, and structure. In the run up to your retirement, take some time to consider what your day, week or month will look like. Stay active Staying active through exercise will help keep you healthy both physically and mentally and prolong your life. But it is also important to keep your mind active too. Ongoing learning can help keep you mentally sharp by getting you in the habit of staying mentally active. Having less structured days allows you to take up a new hobby or learn skills and feeds into the need for routine and schedule. Retirement is a great time to discover old and new passions that you felt you didn’t have the time for before.  Taking up a course or classes in your local college, learning to play an instrument, or another meaningful activity that you can enjoy and engage with can keep you mentally fit. The mantra ‘use it or lose it’ most definitely applies here! Connection As we transition from the workforce, our social circle can diminish due to our daily interactions reducing and unfortunately loneliness becomes more common as we get older. Loneliness has a detrimental impact on our health and wellbeing and may significantly increase the chances of poor health. Research found that older adults with a good social life tend to live longer than those who are more isolated and happier retirees were found to have more social interactions. So, whether you are married or single, an introvert or an extrovert, maintaining strong social connections is critical. It is important to keep in contact with friends and connect with your work circle as much as possible. Certain activities can also present opportunities for you to meet new friends or other retirees with similar interests. Taking a new class, joining a book club, participating in your local community centre, or joining an exercise group are just some of the many ways you can stay connected. There is also a wealth of benefits from spending time with grandchildren, it helps you to keep active, improves cognitive skills and can lower the risk of depression. Purpose For many, our sense of purpose can be wrap in what we do for living and measure our success only through our professional lives. Once we leave the workplace, there may be a need to find meaning to fill that void and reinvent your purpose in life. Outside of your profession, try and identify what gives your life meaning and purpose and makes you happy. Retirees have a unique insight and wisdom gained from a lifetime's worth of skills, expertise and competencies that could be of benefit elsewhere and this could mean using talents in service to others. Mentoring and volunteering are fulfilling paths for retirees. Retirees can gain meaningfulness and social and emotional benefits from mentoring and volunteering. But whatever you do in retirement it is important to see this time as an opportunity to live out the second half of your life purposefully.

 Employee well-being is vital for business success. Moira Grassick explores the biggest people risks, from stress to diversity, and outlines how you can strengthen your organisation’s resilience A business is only as successful as its employees. People are both the most important asset a business has and, on the other hand, a source of risk if they’re not properly managed. After a stressful number of years in which health and well-being were primary concerns for everyone, the workplace has changed irreversibly, and it’s up to business owners to adapt to ensure their people stay happy and, in turn, deliver business growth. Some business risks are outside the control of Irish employers. Global geopolitical tensions and interest rates continue to impact the cost of doing business, but it’s different when it comes to your people. Employee risks are within your control. Here are some risks your organisation can minimise, ensuring happier and more productive employees. Stress and burnout After a challenging number of years, your employees may be suffering from anxiety, stress or burnout symptoms. These psychosocial issues can have a direct impact on productivity and potentially on the reputation of your business. Employees are more focused than ever on work-life balance and well-being. Taking steps to help employees achieve their goals in these areas helps reduce errors, minimise staff turnover and avoid dips in productivity. Remote Health & Safety  A remote worker’s home workstation is an extension of the workplace, and employers need to consider their Health & Safety obligations in this regard. The main responsibility for Health & Safety at work rests with the employer regardless of whether an employee works remotely or onsite. A risk assessment of the employee’s home workspace should be carried out. Work-related injuries (both physical and psychosocial), whether they happen onsite or in a remote location, could lead to penalties, brand damage and a deterioration in employee relations. Recruitment and retention Although the labour market shows signs of turning back in favour of employers, it’s crucial for business owners to figure out what will help staff build long-term careers with them. High staff turnover is bad for business, so engaging with employees and responding to their feedback on what could help them build a long-term future with you will pay dividends. Workplace culture Serious misconduct like bullying and harassment or theft and fraud can derail a business. It’s vital to manage these risks through the effective operation of appropriate policies and procedures. Staff should be aware of the values they are expected to uphold. Likewise, if employers don’t deal with grievances in the correct manner, they risk demoralising staff who won’t want to work within an uncaring culture. Preventing grievances in the first place should be the aim, but failing to manage employee grievances properly will distract your management team from their main tasks, demotivate staff who think colleagues have not received fair treatment and ultimately hurt your business. Diversity, equity and inclusion As the Irish population continues to diversify, it’s important to develop an inclusive and diverse working environment. Failing to address this area will limit your access to the broadest possible talent pool and potentially have reputational consequences that hurt relationships with employees, customers and other stakeholders. Legal and compliance As well as the challenge of managing the transition away from pandemic-related work practices, employers also have a wide range of new employment laws to consider. The statutory sick pay scheme came into force in January and affects all employers. The transparent and predictable working conditions regulations impact probation periods, employment contracts and documentation. Most recently, employers will need to act upon various new work-life balance rights, including the right to request remote work. It’s a major challenge for employers and employment law practitioners to keep pace with the volume of recent employment regulations. The cost of ineffective management The costs associated with these risks are multiple. Management spends too much time firefighting, employees take their talents elsewhere, and the bottom line suffers. With the right approach, however, business owners can turn all these risks into strengths that will make their business more resilient to setbacks and more productive when trade is brisk. Moira Grassick is Chief Operating Officer at Peninsula Ireland

In the modern business landscape, fostering a culture of accountability is paramount for organisational success and ethical behaviour. Yvonne Kelleher and Conor McCarthy discuss the crucial connection between culture and accountability Culture and accountability are not new concepts. However, for many organisations, driving a culture of accountability seems like an intangible feat, with many organisations leaping to enhance the operating model without recognising the need to manage the human factors. This can be a costly oversight, and without considering a unified approach and mindset to drive accountability, the desired benefit and return will not be realised. Executives must set a leading example in this time of increased public and regulatory scrutiny and change in Ireland and globally. They need to exhibit accountability and maintain trust with both stakeholders and employees. Culture and accountability are not static ideas, nor do they impact one industry. In fact, in Ireland, we have seen over the last 12 months a lack of accountability underpinned by poor behavioural drivers across a range of industries such as financial services, public bodies and broadcasting has resulted in computational damage and a loss of stakeholder and employee trust. Time is of the essence for organisations to conduct a stocktake, reassess their culture journey and address any gaps to promote and embed an effective and resilient culture to drive and enforce accountability. Organisations should look at this as not only a necessity but also an opportunity that will support their success in the long run.  Organisational accountability – what is it? Organisational accountability occurs when all employees behave in a way that promotes the successful and timely completion of their responsibilities. It involves the organisation being answerable for its actions, decisions and impact on stakeholders, including employees, customers, shareholders, communities and, of course, the environment. A poor culture of accountability can present itself in several ways. Lack of transparency There is often a lack of transparency in decision-making processes, communication and reporting. Information may also be withheld, buried, distorted or not shared openly with stakeholders.  Lack of clarity in roles and responsibilities When there is a lack of clarity regarding roles, responsibilities and expectations, it becomes challenging to establish accountability. Unclear lines of authority, ambiguous decision-making processes, and overlapping responsibilities can contribute to a culture where no one feels truly responsible or accountable for outcomes. Lack of leadership Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping the culture of an organisation. In a poor culture of accountability, leaders may fail to model and uphold the principles of accountability. Leaders evading responsibility or engaging in unethical behaviour without facing the consequences sets a negative example for others.  Lack of trust There may be an environment of distrust and scepticism. This can lead to a lack of collaboration, communication and willingness to report issues and mistakes.  Low consequences for misconduct In organisations with a poor culture of accountability, there may be a lack of appropriate consequences for unethical behaviour or poor performance. This can lead individuals to believe they can engage in misconduct without facing significant repercussions.  Fear of retaliation Conversely, a poor culture of accountability may foster an environment where individuals fear retaliation for speaking up, reporting wrongdoing or challenging the status quo. This fear can deter individuals from holding themselves or others accountable, leading to a lack of transparency and the perpetuation of negative behaviours. It is crucial, therefore, to get a balance between consequences and a fear of retaliation.  Low morale A lack of organisational accountability can diminish an employee’s sense of purpose. This results in a lack of motivation to do your job and impacts the quality of employees’ work.  The link between culture and accountability Today, an organisation’s success is no longer just about the bottom line; qualitative inputs like transparency, trust and employee performance, productivity, collaboration and engagement also determine success. Therefore, an organisation’s cultural norms, values and practices can significantly influence the expected, accepted and enforced accountability level to ensure sustainable change. 1. Trust and transparency   Culture affects the level of trust and transparency within an organisation. In cultures where trust is high, and transparency is valued, accountability tends to be emphasised more. Employees tend to hold themselves accountable for their actions as they believe in the importance of integrity and honesty.  2. Consequences and enforcement Cultural attitudes towards consequences and enforcement also play a role in accountability. In some cultures, the fear of reputation, trial by the media or social stigma may serve as a powerful deterrent leading individuals to be more accountable for their actions. In other cultures, legal frameworks and regulatory systems play a key role in enforcing accountability (like the new individual accountability regime currently being implemented by the Central Bank in regulated institutions within Ireland).  Cultural influences Cultural influences on accountability can vary significantly across different societies and organisations, particularly as the operating and workforce landscape evolves. While some cultures may prioritise individual accountability, others may emphasise collective responsibility more. Understanding and addressing these cultural dynamics, including behavioural drivers, are essential for promoting a sustainable culture of accountability and ethical behaviour. Yvonne Kelleher is Managing Director in Risk Consulting at KPMG Conor McCarthy is Partner, Head of People and Change at KPMG

Contrary to the misconceptions of awkward social encounters, networking is a fundamental and invaluable skill that everyone should cultivate, says Jean Evans Businesses, organisations and most people deem networking to be a soft skill, but it’s not. It’s a power skill. People think that networking is an awkward social moment or an icky sales conversation. They mistakenly think that networking is about schmoozing and being sleazy. That it’s about going to the odd event, handing out business cards and expecting something to happen. However, networking is one of the most fundamental, valuable and necessary skills you’ll ever develop. It makes you powerful. The foundation of success Networking is like the foundations you put down for a house. You cannot build a house without solid foundations. Similarly, you cannot build a successful business or stellar career without networking because no one is successful by themselves or achieves success without the support and help of others. Networking to win Networking enables you to become more self-aware and develop emotional intelligence, which will assist you in using your voice while helping you understand your personal brand and what you bring to the table in your organisation. You’ll grow a community and tribe of people who’ll support you and your career and who will be your sponsors and advocates while allowing you to become a problem solver and trouble shooter within your professional career. A personal journey How we connect with others is deeply intimate, so learning to network is highly personal and nuanced. There isn’t a right way or a wrong way for you to do it, but you have to learn how you want to do it. We all have different backgrounds that influence how we connect with others, whether it’s the environment in which we grew up, our education, our friends and family or our work. Confidence You might have noticed that I haven’t mentioned anything about more business or promotions. They are also wins when it comes to networking, but none of the tactical and technical stuff comes before you develop your confidence and self-awareness. Confidence is the name of the game. Understanding yourself and what you stand for allows you to make intelligent and conscious decisions about what aligns with your values, your priorities, and this allows you to make good choices and set appropriate boundaries. Jean Evans is a Networking Architect and founder at NetworkMe

When we think of wellbeing, we usually think physically and mentally but there is another important aspect to add to the mix, financial wellbeing. Financial wellbeing is a term used to describe our ability to confidently manage our money, how prepared we are for the unexpected, and how we can save and plan for the future. It is an aspect of wellbeing that is often overlooked, but financial wellness can dramatically impact our quality of life. Financial difficulties can impact anyone including accountants. Here we look at financial wellbeing, its impacts on our mental health, and how we can improve our financial wellbeing. Financial wellbeing and Mental Health With the current economic factors at play, financial worries are a main concern for the vast majority of the population and financial worries can have a major impact on our mental health. While it is true money can’t buy happiness, multiple studies around the world show that finances are one of the most common causes of stress and anxiety, which can impact our health, work, relationships, and many other aspects of our life. According to research conducted by PWC in 2023, almost half of Irish consumers are concerned about their personal financial situation. A national survey carried out by Aware found that financial worries were the number one cause of concern with 57% stating it was impacting their mental health. Laya healthcare’s workplace wellbeing index found that of the one in four people who reported poor mental health, two-thirds cited financial concerns as the cause, more than any other problem. These few figures highlight just how prevalent financial concerns are and how much of a toll they can take on our mental health. Feeling anxious, experiencing low mood, or losing sleep if you are struggling to control your finances is a totally normal response but in the long term can have a devastating impact on our lives, even fuelling and escalating our financial trouble.    How to invest in your financial wellbeing If you want to ease money worries or simply want to feel more in control of your finances, there are thankfully many simple and easy ways to do just that. Spending sprees The first step is to look at your current spending habits and identify just where your money is going. By reviewing your bank and credit card statements, you can tally your outgoings and expenses. Categorise the type of spend into different groups, this can help you identify areas where you may be overspending and where you can make changes. We can all overspend sometimes or have weeks that are more expensive, but when it becomes a habit, it can be hard to break.  By tracking your expenses, you can get a better overall picture of your spending habits and triggers. Money aspirations Write down your financial goals and consider what you want to achieve in the short and long term, this could be clearing off a credit card, buying a house or building a rainy-day fund. Having financial goals give you a clear objective to work towards and can help keep you motivated to save and stay on track. Budget   Creating a monthly budget is a surefire way of getting control of your finances. Figure out the amount that goes on your essentials expenses and then budget for the week and month ahead. For help with this, there is a wealth of free online budgeting tools and templates at your disposal. In debt to you Once your budget is going to plan, if you have accrued any debt now is the time to begin clearing it. Sort your debt from the highest interest rate to the lowest interest rate and use any extra cash to begin clearing off these debts, starting with the higher interest rate and continue moving your way down the rates.   Saving grace It can feel like any money you earn is eaten up by expenses and there is simply no money left for saving. Even when money is tight, it is important to begin setting money aside for the future. If you don’t already, set up a savings account and transfer any remaining money over at the end of the month. Even if it is just small change. Or another approach, termed ‘paying yourself first’ is set up an automatic transfer of money into your savings account as soon as you get paid.   Seek advice If financial troubles persist despite your best efforts, you may consider seeking external financial advice. A financial advisor can view all aspects of your financial wellbeing with you and identify areas and aspects where you can make changes. Supports available to you A common preconceive notion is that financial professionals should be in good financial health due to their professional background. However, like anyone in society, accountants from all walks of life can struggle with poor financial wellbeing for a multitude of reasons. From the work of CA Support, we see the causes and impact financial difficulties have on chartered accountants. Perhaps a period of illness, unemployment or upheaval has created a financial burden and we know financial problems can often deteriorate quickly. If you are struggling with financial difficulties, CA Support provides emergency assistance to Institute members, students and families experiencing turmoil. Or if you are in a healthier position, you may consider donating to CA Support to help support members and families in our community who are less fortunate. Improving your financial wellbeing can take time and effort but by building small and healthy habits, you can alleviate money-related stress and anxiety. However, if you are struggling with any emotional toll, the Thrive wellbeing team is also here to help. Financial wellness 101 webinar Join Thrive and the Young Professionals on Tuesday September 12 at 12.30 for our joint webinar, Financial Wellness 101. Chartered Accountant and Finance Coach, Carol Glynn, will look at improving our financial wellness and introduce us to her Financial Wellness Checklist, providing an easy-to-follow approach to managing our finances.

Edel Walsh explains how to transform negative self-talk into empowering, positive prompts to help you on your path to qualification Do you find your internal self-talk is overly negative?  Now, ask yourself a question: would you speak to a friend or a family member so negatively?  The answer is nearly always no. If you wouldn’t speak to others so negatively, then why is it OK to talk to yourself like this?  It’s time we turn negative self-talk into positive prompts. Mindset Mindset is a powerful belief you have about yourself.  There are two types of mindsets: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset.  In a fixed mindset you believe you are good at something or you are bad at something. There is no in-between. You believe there is no room to grow or to get better at things.  In a growth mindset, on the other hand, you believe your skills and intelligence can be improved with intentional practice and effort.  Fixed mindset When we are studying, we sometimes feel the pull of the fixed mindset. We fall into thinking traps, and negative self-talk takes over.  For example, if you feel out of control about passing your exams, you might hear yourself say, “I never get anything right. I am never going to be able to pass these exams.”  When you believe you don’t have the confidence to ask for help with your studies, you might hear yourself say, “I am worried about what other people will think if I ask for help."  If you think you don’t have the competence or the intelligence to pass your exams, you might hear yourself say, “My colleagues are better than me”, “I am not good enough”, or “I fail more than I succeed." The human brain is a sophisticated organ. However, if you keep telling your brain you can’t do something, it has no option but to believe you. Our brains cannot distinguish between perception and reality.  Unfortunately, when you tell yourself you can’t do something, this often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.  Growth mindset and positive prompts The opposite is also true. The growth mindset starts in the brain. The key is to catch the negative thinking traps and re-frame these thoughts into positive thinking prompts.  Positive thinking prompts are positive messages or self-talk that help you stay motivated and inspired.  Positive prompts help you to take progressive action by seeing things from a different perspective. They also serve as positive reminders to motivate yourself. By changing how you think and re-framing your self-talk, you can move from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.  Here are some positive prompts: “This topic is difficult for me, but I know when I study effectively, I will improve.” “Sometimes, the way I study does not give me the results I want. I can change my study strategy to get better results.” “Failure is not the end of the world. I can learn a lesson to improve in the future.” These positive prompts are about appreciating that challenges occur and are stepping-stones towards something better.  Mistakes are OK When we make mistakes in our studies, the volume of negative self-talk can get louder.  For example: “If I was any good, I wouldn’t keep making mistakes.” What we need to remember is that learning is messy and filled with mistakes and setbacks. Without mistakes, there would be no learning.  The important thing is what you learn from making the mistake.  Tone down the negative self-talk and re-frame it into a positive prompt, such as “Mistakes are valuable learning opportunities.”  Not knowing vs not knowing YET The word 'yet' is magical. This little three-letter word packs a big punch.  The use of 'yet' is particularly useful when encouraging learning. Let’s consider these two statements: I don’t understand double-entry bookkeeping; vs  I don’t understand double-entry bookkeeping yet! The difference in meaning between the two statements is significant.  The first statement suggests you have no understanding of double-entry book-keeping. While the  second statement says the same thing, the word “yet” implies that you will get there. You may not understand double-entry book-keeping at this moment, but you     will understand it at some point  soon.  A simple way to start changing to a growth mindset is by using the word 'yet'. Here are some more examples: I can’t do this…yet. I don’t know…yet. It doesn’t make sense…. yet. I am not good at this…yet. I don’t get this…yet. Catching negative thoughts and turning them into positive prompts takes time and effort but the results will have an overall positive impact on your mental and emotional well-being.  Edel Walsh is a student and exam coach. Her website is www.edelwalsh.ie

Our greatest teacher is the past, and former FAE students have much to say about the exams. Bryan Rankin, Head of Student Operations at Chartered Accountants Ireland, outlines their thoughts For FAE students, 15 and 17 August 2023 have been red letter days for some time, culminating in years of dedication and study.  After each main exam sitting, the student representative body CASSI issues a survey to candidates to garner their views on the exam and the education programme.  In 2022, the FAE CASSI Survey indicated that students found the following as the most beneficial resources in exam preparations – they could be equally as helpful for you in 2023. The FAE Exam Guide series Launched in 2021, the FAE Exam Guide series is an online resource carefully curated to help FAE students prepare for their examinations with ‘insider’-style views and tips from examiners.  The articles bring clarity to a range of FAE areas and contain valuable insights into the priorities and concerns of the examination teams.   At the time of writing, the 2023 Guide is expected to be published at the end of July. It is a must-read resource for all FAE exam candidates. You can find past issues online. Integrated case days By this time, FAE students will be aware of the series of integrated case days (ICDs) and have satisfied the requirement to engage with at least five of the seven available.  The considerable value of ICDs is that they help bring the four Core subjects together and integrate the knowledge and skills obtained from earlier studies and the work environment.  Attendance at five of seven live ICDs webinars is deemed mandatory and the bare minimum, but it’s a great idea to undertake all seven.    The feedback from past FAE students is that working through case days is perhaps the best way to prepare for the requirements of FAE Core.  All seven cases are available on the Learning Hub.  FAE Committee Report The FAE Committee Report (FAEC) from 2022 and earlier years can assist current FAE students in their exam preparation.  The reports explain how the papers are authored, marked and adjudicated while providing an overview of how 2022 students performed and examiner comments for each question.  The 2022 report provides key insights to current FAE candidates on what last year’s candidates did to pass the examination and, more importantly, highlights the areas where candidates continue to struggle, reiterating, where appropriate, advice from previous FAECs. FAECs are available in the exams section of the Chartered Accountants Ireland website; a student login is required.  FAE mocks Through the mock examinations, students can test their current knowledge, replicate their exam setting, gain vital first-hand experience and ensure their technology is working all before the FAE main exams start.  Students can avail themselves of a brand-new paper that’s closely aligned with the layout of the actual paper.  Past FAE students have underlined the importance of the mocks in preparing them for the real thing.  The FAE mock examinations for Core and Electives may be sat from 1 July to the evening of 9 July, with solutions, marking schemes and videos of lecturers recording their solutions available on 10 July.  Exam prep webinars The coming weeks will also see some key webinars that are not to be missed.  Following the FAE mocks, a series of post-mock exam webinars will bring clarity and answer questions students might have from the mock papers.   Then come the exam prep webinars in the last week of July, which promise to provide further guidance and some final tips on exam preparation, time management and technique.   All webinar times are detailed in the FAE timetables, available on the Institute’s website.

You’ve finished up your exams and now have some time to relax. However, you want to make sure you don’t lose focus. Suvi Inkinen shares her tips on staying motivated while having a restful summer With the CAP1 and CAP2 exams completed for the summer, some students might feel a slump in their productivity or worry they will get out of their established study-work-life routine. Here are a few ways to stay active while getting a much-needed break. Upskilling The summer is the perfect time to upskill in ways that may be unrelated to work.  For most students, it is a slightly quieter period and thus is great for branching out into different work-related tools. For example, teaching yourself how to use various digital assets. This is a good way to keep the brain active during summer. Prioritise your health Students should learn to prioritise their health to maintain an excellent work-life balance.  Working or studying late some evenings is a must, but students should always ensure that they’re getting enough exercise and rest.  A simple way to ensure a good work-life balance is to take your lunch break and have it blocked off on your calendar every day. If I’m working from home, I love to head out on a walk during lunchtime.  Another fantastic way to ensure there is balance in your busy life as a Chartered Accountancy student is to get actively involved in related societies, such as CASSI (or regional societies for Dublin, Cork, Ulster, Galway, Mid-West, Midlands and Limerick) for students or Young Professionals (YPs) once you qualify.  CASSI & YPs provide academic content through webinars, CPD events, exam top-tips and career evenings throughout the year, along with social activities such as BBQs, quizzes, cruises and weekends away with fellow Chartered Accountants. Prep for the next term? I recommend taking a break from studying over the summer period and starting fresh once the term begins.  The Institute’s exams are much more challenging than any college exam (in my opinion), and your brain deserves a break before starting again in September.  I always find myself motivated to begin studying again after taking time off and relaxing. You’ll have plenty of time to study before the next set of exams! CASSI CASSI is there for students, and you can contact us through any of our socials, which include: Email Address: cassinetwork@gmail.com Instagram: @cai_student_society LinkedIn: Chartered Accountants Students Society Ireland Our CASSI Education Officer prepares an exam survey sent to students via the Institute’s student affairs team after each exam. I recommend that students complete this survey as the results are brought to the Institute for review when assessing the marking scheme. This contributes to how exams are run in the future, ensuring your needs are being met. Suvi Inkinen is a Risk Assurance Associate at PwC Ireland 

Is the thought of having to revise for your next exam or a resit getting you down?  It may be because you’re yet to get into revision mode or it could be that you’ve always struggled when it comes to revising. Whatever your situation, there are plenty of practical methods you can follow to make your revision more manageable.  One of the best places to start is with your mindset. Because if you don’t feel motivated to revise because you see it as a negative thing, it won’t encourage you to get stuck into it.  Ideally, you need to approach your revision with a positive mindset. At the end of the day, it’s something you’ve got to do and will benefit your career, so why not reframe your thinking?   Dos and don’ts for feeling more positive about revision:  do focus on the present - don’t fall into the trap of worrying about the future and that you may not pass. Turn your attention to the here and now; the fact you need to revise for your exam and you’re doing all you can to pass it.  don't be secretive about your revision - tell people you are doing it. Saying it out loud reinforces your revision commitment. It also makes you more accountable for getting it done, especially if people ask you how you’re getting on with it.  do be calm - if you intend to get some revision done at the end of a hectic day, give yourself chance to detach from that experience and put yourself in a calm and more focused mindset. Starting your revision sessions with one minute of deep breathing will help put you in the right frame of mind.  don't dwell on failure - as easy as it can be to focus on past exam failures, don’t let them hold you back. Turn them into successes by focusing on what you did well. For example, how you calmed your nerves, how much sleep you got, how you planned out your revision. do reflect on past exams - how did you perform on the day? Which areas did you excel in and which topics do you need to really brush up on? Did you run out of time? All of these learnings are key for perfecting your future exam performance.  don't forget to back yourself - tell yourself you can sit the exam and you are going to do well. When you’re revising, say that you are looking forward to learning and praise yourself at the end of each session. Control your voice to be cheerleader not a critique. Exams are a stepping stone to your future success - what will they unlock for you?  do create a vision board - vision boards are a great tactic for motivating yourself to revise and picture what’s beyond it. They enable you to visualise what success looks like and what you will achieve as a result of taking this exam stepping stone. don't overlook your rewards - every time you do your revision, reward yourself. It’ll help you feel more positive about it overall too. For instance, you could treat yourself to a long, hot soak in the bath or your favourite chocolate bar. It doesn’t have to be anything too elaborate, but must be something you will look forward to enjoying once you’ve hit your revision milestone.  do put your blinkers on - it’s so easy to compare yourself to others. But it can be really counterproductive when it comes to making progress with your revision. You may have heard that your colleagues did all of their revision in the space of a weekend or that they’re already all prepped for the exam when you’re not. Try not to get distracted by their tactics and progress; try to just focus on you and your revision schedule because that’s what matters.  don’t neglect yourself - it can be easy to neglect yourself when you’ve got lots of studying to do. However, it’s important you don’t push yourself too hard, overlook your needs or skip the basics - such as, eating healthy, regular meals, getting plenty of sleep and exercising (which is one of the best stress relievers there is).   do plan and prepare - effective revision is based on having a dedicated plan in place. You may want to draw up a study timetable to help you stay on track - learn how by reading ‘Study smart: your plan to get the most out of revising.’ Alternatively, you may want to create weekly or daily schedules, where you can break up long hours of study into smaller, more manageable sessions. As the late, great Benjamin Franklin famously said: ‘If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.’ Don’t let it happen to you.  don’t get in a revision rut - unfortunately, feeling motivated about revising isn’t something people can pass on to you. It has to come from within because you are in control of your brain and how you feel about revising. However, if you’ve managed to follow the advice above, we hope you’ll be feeling far more motivated about revising now!   Feeling positive about revision may initially seem like somewhat of an impossible challenge, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t feel that way. There are plenty of things you can do to change your mindset from negative to positive and tackle your revision in a whole new light.  Article reproduced with the kind permission of CABA, the organisation providing lifelong support to ICAEW members, ACA students and their close family around the world.

Addressing underperformance requires a thoughtful approach that considers the underlying reasons behind it. Moira Grassick outlines ten essential steps to manage underperforming employees effectively Poor employee performance affects both the worker and your wider business. Underperforming employees can have a domino effect. When colleagues see one employee slacking, their own motivation can decrease. In some cases, an employee may be genuinely trying but is simply incapable of hitting their targets or meeting your business’s standards. Here are ten simple steps to deal with an underperforming employee fairly and effectively. Know what you want from the employee If an employee is underperforming, first be clear on what level of performance you want and consider if the relevant standards have been properly communicated to them. Confusion is unavoidable if either party isn’t aware of the required standards.  Begin with an informal approach When addressing a performance issue for the first time, approach it informally by conversing with the underperforming employee. This doesn’t mean the issue goes unaddressed; it simply means no formal disciplinary action will be taken at this stage. Approach this conversation with an open mind and empathise with the employee if their issue is personal.  Let the individual know that you have concerns The first practical step is to let the employee know that you have concerns regarding their performance. This should be done in a private conversation with them. This isn’t a formal hearing, so there’s no need to formally invite the employee with notice. Again, it’s best to approach this conversation in a personal, friendly manner.  Identify the problem Enquire as to the reason for the employee’s underperformance. This is necessary to establish what subsequent action you need to take. If they can perform better but simply choose not to, tell them that they must improve. If they can do the job (they’re trying hard but still can’t perform well), identify how you can help them. For example, the employee may need further training or supervision. If the reason is health related, it may be necessary to obtain an expert medical opinion. If they have a disability, reasonable accommodations to the workplace may need to be considered.  Refer to further consequences Although you’re dealing with the issue informally, let the employee know that you may need to begin a formal disciplinary procedure if they show no signs of improvement. Monitor performance Keep tabs on the employee’s subsequent performance. The level of monitoring required will need to be considered on a case-by-case basis. The employee is unlikely to appreciate overbearing scrutiny as they seek to improve, so handle this aspect sensitively. Revisit the issue If the employee’s performance doesn’t improve, or another dip follows a temporary improvement, revisit the issue. Speak to the employee again, pointing out that your previous discussion and/or any help provided doesn’t appear to have had an effect. Again, ascertain what the reasons are for the underperformance. Consider a formal procedure If insufficient improvement or explanation is provided, consider implementing a formal disciplinary or capability procedure with the employee. Formal disciplinary processes must follow the steps set out in your written policies. These processes must follow fair procedures and the principles of natural justice. Formally invite the employee to these hearings and inform them of their rights, like the right to be accompanied, the right to state their case and the right to appeal any decision that goes against them. Complete the process promptly Deal with the process efficiently ─ don’t allow the issue to drag on. Where you have prescribed timeframes in your procedures, stick to them. Be consistent Act in accordance with previous cases of a similar nature to ensure a consistent approach in terms of assistance provided or, if appropriate, sanctions issued. In addition to these tips, communicate clearly with any employee going through a disciplinary process and keep good written records of all the steps you have taken to address the issue. Moira Grassick is Chief Operating Officer of Peninsula Ireland

The Five Ways to Wellbeing was developed by the New Economics Foundation in 2008, where their project collated research from around the world on proven actions that can help us feel good. Wellbeing is a term that has gained popularity in recent years but in its simplest form it is a state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy. In a broader sense, it’s how satisfied you are with life, your sense of purpose, and how in control you feel. The framework is used globally in various ways to build more awareness on our collective wellbeing and help people take action to improve it. Each action can make a positive impact in our lives and most of us will engage with these activities without being aware of it. To get the most from the five steps, it is important to incorporate all of them on a daily basis. Why not try the five today? Connect Social connection is extremely important for our wellbeing. We are social animals, and our need for connection can help us feel happier, increase our feelings of security and safety and gives us a greater sense of belonging and purpose. Make time to connect with others each day. Nurture and invest in your relationships with loved ones.  This could be talking to someone rather than sending an email, speaking to someone new - possibly chatting to another in your local coffee shop or supermarket or taking time out to ask a loved one how they are truly feeling. Be Active Look for ways to be active each day. This doesn’t mean spending hours in the gym though; find an activity you can enjoy and try to incorporate it into your everyday life. Physical activity is intrinsically linked with lower rates of depression and anxiety. Why not take the stairs rather than the lift, go for a walk at lunch, or explore your local park – little changes can reap huge rewards. Take Notice Simply put, be in the moment. Being aware of the now can help you feel calmer and reduce stress. Take stock of what is around you and paying attention to the present – to your own thoughts, feelings and to the world around you. Keep Learning Be curious and ever learning! Continuing to learn throughout life can help boost our self-confidence and self-esteem. As adults, we can be time poor with other day-to-day responsibilities but simple activities such as learning a new recipe, getting around to that DIY project, doing a puzzle or setting yourself a new challenge can help achieve a higher level of wellbeing. Give Giving to others makes us feel good. When we give or help others, it activates parts of the brain associated with trust, social connection and pleasure. It provides a sense of meaning, improves our life satisfaction and mood, and can even reduce stress. Giving up your time to others can also help strengthen relationships or build new ones. Try to complete a small act of kindness today. Research into actions for improving happiness has shown that committing an act of kindness once a week over a six-week period is associated with an increase in wellbeing. And there you have it, the five ways to wellbeing! If you are struggling with your mental or emotional wellbeing, Thrive can help you on your journey to better emotional health. For wellbeing advice, contact the team by email at: thrive@charteredaccountants.ie or by phone: (+353) 86 0243294.