How to Achieve a Healthy Work-Life Balance as a Tax Manager

Tax managers are constantly dealing with high pressure situations, long hours, and tight deadlines – all of which are magnified during tax season.  These high-pressure situations can take a serious toll on both physical and mental health.  And if tax managers are not able to achieve a healthy work-life balance to manage stress levels, their health and careers will both suffer.

If you are a tax manager and feeling the effects of stress, here are six tips to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance.

1.      Set Boundaries

One of the most effective ways tax managers can improve their work-life balance is to set clear boundaries between work and home life.  This can be accomplished with specific work hours, taking breaks, and keeping after-hour and weekend work for only the most important and time-sensitive tasks.  Also, while it can be awkward and difficult – especially for entry-level managers – it is important to learn how to professionally turn down additional assignments when bandwidth is at capacity.

2.      Learn to Delegate

It is not always easy to relinquish control of projects and put trust in co-workers, especially if you do not know those co-workers very well.  But by maintaining control of too many projects and failing to assign tasks, you are significantly overburdening yourself.   Learning to delegate less important tasks, while focusing only on the most important ones, will make your load as a tax manager lighter, and allow you to focus more time on more important tasks.

3.      Embrace Remote Work

Americans waste a lot of time commuting – with some reports indicating up to 50 minutes each day.  And if you live in a bigger city, expect those times to be much higher.  Imagine how much more you could accomplish if the time you spent in traffic was applied to work tasks.  While there are certainly some things that are better done in-office, embracing remote work options can help clear up your schedule.

4.      Incorporate Technology

There are a wide range of tax technologies and tools that can be used to automate tasks, streamline data management, and improve your ability as a tax manager to work remotely.  Using these tools effectively will help you reduce your workload, while simultaneously improving accuracy and your ability to perform the job.

5.      Enjoy the Off-Season

As mentioned above, tax managers deal with excessive stress and headaches during the tax season when their workload dramatically increases.  To counteract the effects of the busy season, you should learn to relax during quiet times when work is not as demanding.  Finding those slow-down pockets will give you the rest and rejuvenation you need.

6.      Seek Professional Help

It is not always easy to admit we need professional help.  But fortunately, the stigma and barriers surrounding mental health are starting to break down.  If you find that your physical and mental health is suffering – do not hesitate to seek a professional help from the right physicians.

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