20 June 2012
PRESS RELEASE
Switch off when you go on holiday, urges CABA
Accountants are being urged to switch off when they go on their summer holiday – both mentally and literally – by Chartered Accountants’ Benevolent Association.
The charity says that the 21st century work culture of 24 hour connectivity appears to be a factor in the increasing levels of job stress that it is seeing, and that switching off your smart phone and resisting the urge to check your e-mail is important.
Kath Haines, Chief Executive at CABA, explained: “During the last few months, we have been contacted by more and more accountants who are feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of work. It appears to be a growing problem.
“Part of this is undoubtedly the fact that many workers no longer ‘switch off’ when they walk away from the office. They continue to check e-mail and carry out other tasks remotely, often during evenings and the weekend.
“A summer holiday is an opportunity to take a proper break away from work pressures but accountants must be proactive by switching off their smart phone or laptop. You should claim the time as your own.”
Kath added that employers should also recognise that workers needed to take time to recharge their batteries and not bother them when they were on holiday unless it was absolutely crucial.
She said: “It is a question of realising that holidays serve an important purpose. Tired and stressed accountants tend to be less productive and more prone to making errors. Holidays exist for the benefit of both employees and employers.”
Notes to editors
1. Chartered Accountants’ Benevolent Association (CABA) was formed in 1886, and supports current and former members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and their dependent family members.
2. CABA provides a holistic service, delivered in a caring and confidential way. CABA operates completely independently of ICAEW.
3. Based in Rugby, CABA support ICAEW members and their families around the world.
4. Additional information about the charity can be found on CABA’s website, please visit www.caba.org.uk
For further details about this press release please contact:
- Simon Wells at Paperchase Public Relations
- Telephone: 01283 711311 / 07768 912430
- E-mail: simon@paperchasepr.co.uk
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