Taking a step back in the summer to recharge and recalibrate

MEMBERS HEADING PERSPECTIVES

Three Chartered Accountants share the value of proper rest and relaxation during the summer months to bolster better year-round energy and productivity

Supreeth Mohan

MGI Ryan Tech and Innovation Lead

As a Chartered Accountant, I know how easy it can be to let work take over, especially during the busy months.

But over the years, I’ve learned the importance of stepping back, especially in the summer. For me, taking time off isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity.

I’m not someone who can sit at a desk all day. I need to move and get outside. That’s why I always carve out at least a week in the summer to recharge.

My favourite way to unwind is sailing. There’s nothing like being out on the water, away from emails and deadlines. I also play golf whenever possible. It keeps me active and gives me something to look forward to after a long week.

When the weather is right, you’ll often find me riding my motorcycle, exploring new routes and enjoying the sense of freedom it brings.

I’m also a licensed private pilot, so when there are blue skies, I love taking to the skies. Flying gives me a whole new perspective and is a real thrill. Plus, it’s about as far from office life as you can get!

In winter, I switch gears and play squash. Throughout the year, I travel as much as possible. Exploring new places and cultures always energises me.

Over time, I’ve realised it’s not just about working hard but also smart. I focus on setting clear, achievable goals and finding the most efficient way to get things done. This approach means I can deliver results without burning out, and it frees up time for the hobbies and adventures that keep me motivated.

The freedom to choose my own hours helps, too. For me, summer is about finding that balance: working smart, enjoying life and making space for the things that make it all worthwhile.

Teresa Campbell

Head of Ireland AAB

Summer offers a natural pause in the calendar, yet for many Chartered Accountants, the pressure of deadlines doesn’t necessarily ease with the (hopefully) warmer weather.

Still, it’s crucial to acknowledge that taking time to recharge isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential for long-term wellbeing, productivity and overall team morale.

I find that taking even a short break, whether it’s a week away or a few long weekends, creates valuable headspace, and helps me to regain perspective and reset priorities.

At AAB, we encourage everyone, from trainees to partners, to take meaningful time off year-round, but particularly during the summer months when there is a great opportunity to pause, recharge and reflect.

This isn’t just about individual wellbeing (which is very important), it also fosters a culture that treats rest as an integral part of sustained high performance.

When senior leaders take breaks and openly support others, it sets a powerful example across the team.

Managing workloads to allow for downtime, if even just for a few days, takes coordination, planning and clear communication. We encourage our team to schedule their holiday plans at the earliest opportunity to allow adequate time to manage workflow and agree on deliverables with clients over the summer months.

Delegating during this time also allows junior team members to step up, build confidence and develop new skills in a supportive environment.

We work in teams which means we should all be able to benefit from collaboration as a means to manage a healthy work-life balance throughout the year.

Before heading off for my summer break, I brief team colleagues on any ongoing projects requiring their support while I am off, and I am on hand to help when they are off.

I am very much looking forward to my summer break this year and encourage anyone who hasn’t even a few days booked off to get it in your diary!

“MANAGING WORKLOADS TO ALLOW FOR DOWNTIME, IF EVEN JUST FOR A FEW DAYS, TAKES COORDINATION, PLANNING AND CLEAR COMMUNICATION”

Neal Morrison

Regional Managing Partner Dains Ireland

For practitioners, the old adage of the “busy season” now seems to be year-round!

Summer often brings conversations about how to ease the pressure, but in my organisation, we believe balance should be part of everyday life. It’s not something we switch on in July and off in September. It is a core part of our culture.

We have always tried to have enough resources in place to ensure that working overtime is not a requirement. In December 2023, we introduced compressed hours with a lunchtime finish every Friday.

Our smart working model gives people real flexibility, not just in terms of where they work but in how they manage their time and energy. We have the infrastructure, systems and team in place to make this possible. This means our people are supported, not stretched.

We have also enhanced our holiday allowances to a minimum of 25 days across the firm and benefits packages because we recognise the importance of properly rewarding our people. It is not just about retention. It is about respect. When you invest in your team, they show up at their best.

“OUR SMART WORKING MODEL GIVES PEOPLE REAL FLEXIBILITY, NOT JUST IN TERMS OF WHERE THEY WORK BUT IN HOW THEY MANAGE THEIR TIME AND ENERGY”

This approach is also what makes us such a strong fit for small firms looking to take the next step. Merging with Dains (we formerly traded as McInerney Saunders) has given us access to extensive resources, specialist expertise and a broader team to share the load.

Partners are freed from shouldering everything themselves. Staff benefit too, with new career opportunities and a culture that puts wellbeing and growth on an equal footing.

We proudly offer an environment in which ambition is matched with support.

As we continue to grow, we are focused on partnerships that share our mindset. We are building a firm in which standards and healthy working lives go hand in hand. It is a more sustainable way to grow, and it is working.