Work-Life Balance and Well-Being in Public Practice Accounting

A common problem among accountants, and the vast majority ofprofessionals, is feeling "stressed" and overwhelmed. Researchsuggests that lack of work-life balance and unhealthy workenvironments are two major stress sources. A review of relevantliterature examines the relationship between work-life balance anda healthy work environment, and increased well-being. Real-lifestories of accountants in public practice reveal eight themes thatcapture the effect of these two factors within the context of anindividual's life and beliefs. Analysis of these themes leads to anindividualized perspective on what constitutes well-being, how toassess this, and how to achieve it. The study concludes withrecommendations for promoting awareness of, and taking action toaddress, work-life balance issues. This study will be helpful foraccountants and other professionals who have an interest inimproved well-being. It will also be useful for organizationalleaders who want to empower their employees to make positivechanges in their lives, which, not surprisingly will increase thelikelihood of some nice benefits, namely, increased productivityand employee satisfaction and allegiance.