ENTRIES NOW OPEN FOR YOUNG ACCOUNTANT OF THE YEAR

Celebrating International Week of Happiness at Work

The International Week of Happiness at Work is a globally recognised event that highlights the significance of creating a joyful and fulfilling workplace.This celebration isn't just about colourful balloons and office parties—it's about fostering an environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and genuinely happy to come to work each day. In this article, we’ll explore why happiness at work is crucial and provide practical tips on how employers and managers can celebrate and enhance happiness in their workplaces.Why is Happiness at Work Important? Increased Productivity Research consistently shows that happier employees are more productive. A positive work environment boosts morale, leading to increased motivation and efficiency. Happy employees are more engaged, less likely to take sick days, and more inclined to go the extra mile. Enhanced Employee Retention A workplace that prioritises happiness tends to have lower turnover rates. When employees feel appreciated and satisfied, they are more likely to stay with the company, reducing recruitment and training costs for employers. Improved Mental Health Promoting happiness at work also has significant benefits for employees' mental health. A supportive and positive work environment can reduce stress and prevent burnout, leading to a healthier, more balanced life for employees. Better Team Collaboration Happiness creates a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Employees who are happy at work are more likely to collaborate effectively, share ideas, and support one another, leading to a more innovative and successful company. How to Celebrate the International Week of Happiness at Work Here are some actionable tips to help you celebrate this important week and promote happiness in your workplace: 1. Recognise and Appreciate Take time to recognise and appreciate your employees' hard work. Whether it's through verbal acknowledgement or formal rewards, showing gratitude to your employees can significantly boost morale. 2. Create a Positive Environment Ensure that your workplace is welcoming and comfortable. Invest in good lighting, ergonomic furniture, and add some greenery to create a pleasant atmosphere. A clean, well-organised workspace can greatly impact an employee's mood and productivity. 3. Encourage Work-Life Balance Promote a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible working hours, remote work options, and encouraging regular breaks. Support your employees in maintaining a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives. 4. Offer Professional Development Opportunities Invest in your employees' growth by providing opportunities for professional development. This could include training sessions, workshops, or even funding for further education. When employees feel that they are growing and advancing in their careers, it increases job satisfaction. 5. Host Fun Activities Organise activities that allow employees to unwind and have fun. This could be anything from team-building exercises, office games, or social events. These activities can strengthen bonds between colleagues and create a more enjoyable work environment. 6. Listen and Act Create way for employees to voice their opinions and concerns. Regular feedback sessions and surveys can provide valuable insights into what makes your employees happy and what could be improved. Be sure to act on their feedback to show that their voices are heard and valued. Conclusion The International Week of Happiness at Work is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the importance of creating a happy workplace and to take actionable steps towards achieving it. By promoting happiness at work, employers can foster a more productive, engaged, and fulfilled workforce. Remember, a happy employee is not just an asset to the company; they are the heart and soul of an organisation. Celebrate this week by making lasting changes that prioritise employee happiness, and watch your workplace transform for the better.Are you looking to strengthen your team with top-tier finance and accountancy professionals? At Sharp Consultancy, we excel in connecting your business with exceptional talent for temporary, interim, or permanent roles. With our well-established offices in Leeds and Sheffield, our experienced consultants are dedicated to serving businesses across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't leave your recruitment needs to chance—contact us TODAY and let's find the perfect candidates to drive your business forward.Resources:Happiness at Work - International Week of Happiness at Work

Read article

The strength and depth of exceptional accountancy and finance talent in the Yorkshire region is highlighted with the hugely popular Young Accountant of the Year annual awards.

After a one year hiatus due to COVID-19, the competition – which was established in 2000 and is run in conjunction with West Yorkshire Society of Chartered Accountants – is back and nominations are now open.

Young Accountant of the Year 2022 aims to recognise the best of the region’s accountants who are either training to be qualified or have been qualified for up to two years.

Potential winners can be nominated by their colleagues, peers or senior managers and will have to satisfy a number of criteria including exam record, leadership and initiative and work and technical competence as well as demonstrating to the judges that they bring an extra element of star quality to their role. The awards are an ideal opportunity for employers to give thanks and recognition to hard-working and talented members of their teams.

The awards were last held in 2020 when Shereen Ayub from PwC triumphed over strong competition; Tom Rylands of KPMG was named runner-up with Rob Hainsworth of Deloitte taking third place and Tom Farnhill (RSM UK), Lauren Devenish (EY) and Rebecca Dawson (Garbutt & Elliott) all named as finalists.

The winner of the Young Accountant of the Year 2022 competition will receive a luxury weekend for two to London and the runners up will also receive a prize when the winner is announced at the LCASS Annual Dinner on Friday 22 April 2022. All entries will be reviewed and those shortlisted will be interviewed by a specially selected judging panel.

Lee Sweeney, Executive Director at Sharp Consultancy added: “Young Accountant of the Year showcases the strength and depth of young talent in our region and this year’s winner will join a very illustrious group of individuals who have since go on to achieve great things in their careers. Each year we are always extremely impressed by the exceptionally high standard of entries from those who will and will undoubtedly become an outstanding business leader in the future.”

Entries must be received by Monday 28 February 2022 and nominations forms can be downloaded here.

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond. CONTACT US today to discuss your recruitment needs with a member of our team.