If you’re an accountant who finds themselves unhappy working at a firm that adopts a toxic workforce culture, where staff feel undervalued and downtrodden, cliques of power exist and diversity and inclusivity is a paper-based exercise only , we want to tell you today that there’s plenty of light at the end of the tunnel.
Here’s our three step guide to extricating yourself from a role at a a toxic workplace.
1. Recognise that there’s a problem and know your worth
When things aren’t going your way at work it’s all too easy to blame yourself and to question whether it’s you that’s the problem rather than the culture, values and leadership at your firm.
But research undertaken in 2022 showed that almost a third of UK employees have taken time off work due to the impact of toxic workplace culture. You’re certainly not alone in suffering from the impacts of it.
So whether it’s bullying, unreasonable workload, harassment or a culture of blame that is making you unhappy at work, take some time to accept that this is not your fault and to consider whether you value your role at this firm enough to try and tackle the problem, or if it’s time to find an alternative employer who can offer you an appropriate level of challenge, support and rewards that you 100% deserve.
And remember, the fact that you’re an accountant in public practice means you’re in such a strong position. Your skills are in huge demand and so is your worth so if the recognition that your current situation is untenable makes you feel anxious about the future, don’t let it! There are masses of alternative opportunities out there for you in every part of the UK – just take a look at our jobs board to see some of the roles and market beating salaries you could be accessing!
2. Take control of the situation
Once you’ve decided whether you want to attempt to make your work life better or find an alternative role, take control and make a plan.
Your strategy should involve starting at what your position of job happiness and fulfilment looks like and working back step by step to create a roadmap to that destination.
What barriers stand in your way and how can you overcome them?
Do you have any internal allies who might help you find a way to make your current situation bearable while you seek a permanent solution? Speak to HR and your line manager and if the situation is really serious, consider getting some medical advice as to whether you’re actually fit to work or legal advice as to whether constructive dismissal is at play.
What external sources of support are available to you to help you enjoy work the way that you want to? Do you need to invest some time in your CV, confidence, understanding your rights in the workplace (for example life coaching or therapy, study support, ACAS and obviously Public Practice Recruitment Ltd as your trusted recruitment partners.)
3. Create the professional life that you want and deserve.
A toxic workplace culture doesn’t just set in overnight. And it’s the same case that it’s not usually something that can be fixed quickly. Having said that, if you really want to make a go of your current role and you have the buy in of senior management and leaders who are prepared to work hard to fix the situation, it can be done. But give yourself a realistic timeframe in which you expect to see and feel the positive impact of change, and if it doesn’t happen, move on to one of the many other firms that will snap up your skills and experience as a UK practice accountant.
The quicker solution is to lend your service to a firm who deserves it and to apply for a new role somewhere that is thriving and truly values their workforce.
The great news is that there are plenty of those around, and if you’d like to learn more about them and save your valuable time approaching each and every one, we can step in as your trusted recruitment partner. We’re seriously well connected with a client database in the thousands. And having worked closely with all of them, we can advise you on which firms follow through with their promises to be employers of choice.
Here’s a couple of jobs that spring to mind today…
Audit and Accounts Senior in Leicester
The bottom line is that your skills are valuable and you don’t ever have to settle for a professional situation that isn’t serving you. Life is way too short for toxic jobs!
To schedule a 100% confidential call with one of our team of recruitment consultants who can offer you impartial career counselling advice, contact us today. We can’t wait to help you create the professional life you want and deserve!
