Irish finance professionals are stressed at work due to the amount they are taking on, according to research from Robert Half Finance & Accounting.

The 2006 Ireland Salary Survey reveals that 32% of finance professionals are stressed at work, with the amount of work on their plate being the main contributing factor. Other factors that contribute towards stress levels among finance professionals are the level of work they are being asked to do (16%) and their lack of work/life balance (11%). 

The survey goes on to reveal that instead of asking for less work, they are calling on their employers to lay on training to make them better equipped to carry out the tasks in hand (23%), this is followed by a review of their current benefits (17%). Reducing the workload only appears in third place at 16%. 

Ken Harbourne, branch manager of Robert Half Finance & Accounting in Dublin, says: “Finance professionals need to be careful, as working on overdrive can be just as dangerous to their careers as simply ‘getting by’. Taking on new projects and responsibilities is a great way to expand their skills set, however too much of a good thing can lead to burnout.

“Employers need to help finance professionals manage their workloads by reviewing company training programmes and identifying the appropriate guidance required. Constant training will improve workers’ skills, helping them cope with the growing demands of each assignment.”