Navigating Workplace Stress this Tax Season

How Do You Navigate Stress this Tax Season?

In the accounting industry, the build-up to April 15^th can feel daunting. Starting in February, accountants face growing stacks of papers, longer days at a desk, and less interaction with coworkers. On top of that, workers arrive and leave the office under dark skylines due to Daylight Savings. All these factors can impact an employee’s mood and increase workplace stress- causing some to question whether the work is “worth it”.

Research by the American Psychological Association shows that work is a significant source of stress by many Americans. While small amounts of stress can be healthy- stimulating the brain and motivating productivity- large amounts of stress are not.  Fortunately, there are strategies and resources to help control workplace stress. Discover our go-to tips below.

Track Your Stressors

Begin by recognizing the patterns and situations that create stress for you, then develop healthy responses towards them. For example, if the sight of an overwhelming stack of papers creates stress, start by organizing your desk and breaking down the workload into smaller, manageable sections. Acknowledge when you complete your best work and schedule more demanding tasks around that time. Unsure about where to start for your stressors? Read more about working through and managing your stress at PositivePsychology.com. Being proactive and learning the tools to prevent stress can make your workflow more effective.

Take Time to Recharge

To avoid the negative effects of burnout and stress, intentionally make time to relax and unwind. This allows you to feel re-energized and ready to perform at a high level. The American Psychological Association recommends strategies like going on walks outside with your coworkers, taking time away from your desk, or spending time with people you enjoy and value. Even small actions, like going out for lunch with your work team, allows for the brain to engage in areas outside of work and replenish to a functional, pre-stress level. At Meriwether, employees are encouraged to rest and recharge. Having small events in the office, like scavenger hunts or holiday celebrations, brings our employees together and offers a break from daily routines.

Establish Boundaries

With today’s constant connectivity, it can be tempting to feel “on call” around the clock. Intentionally setting and protecting your boundaries is essential for maintaining a healthy work life balance. This might include turning off your phone’s ringer during personal time, disabling work notifications after hours, or making a habit of not checking email once you’ve left the office. Clear boundaries help preserve your time, energy, and well‑being—allowing you to be fully present both at work and at home.

Take Care of Your Health

Your physical, mental, and emotional health play central roles in managing stress. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults need seven hours or more sleep at night. Although there are some days where sleeping feels impossible to do, it is important to be rested and ready for the day ahead. Eating a healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, and proteins supports brain function, while staying active boosts mood and helps create a healthy mindset. Everyone has different approaches to ensure positive health, and it’s important to find routines that work for you.

Ask for Help

There are different resources to manage stress at the workplace. If stress has started to impact your health, reaching out to your supervisor to discuss strategies on how to create a positive work environment is the best course of action. Having this conversation is not meant to be negative, but rather a way to guarantee an employee is performing their best.