The workplace has long evolved from having rigid and inflexible structures and traditions. Business casual was introduced in the 90s, and now we have workplaces where it’s okay to be in jeans and a t-shirt. No longer are offices strictly led by a manager who gives them a performance review at the end of the year. Nowadays, offices are far more flexible in terms of structure and rules.

Employers have realized that enforcing all these strict rules was not helping productivity nor was it conducive to a comfortable working environment. With the explosive development of digital technology, this fluidity and flexibility has only increased. It has proven that offices can be anywhere and that what matters most, are the employees.

With all these experimental workplace practices, it can be difficult to discern which of these you should apply to your accounting business. Worry not; we have created this list of modern workplace trends you should consider following. With no further ado, here they are:

1. The Army of Freelancers

The percentage of the workforce serving as freelancers rose to 36% in 2020, both due to the circumstances of the pandemic and the benefits and the rising gig economy. More and more websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr are allowing companies to connect to professionals from around the world. Skills, after all, are universal.

Freelancers have been seen to be great catalysts for efficiency in the company. Not only that, but more and more people are enjoying the freedom of freelancing, especially since they can set their own times and schedules, their salaries for work, and so on.

Just make sure to use a workflow software for accounting firms so that you can synchronize your operations no matter where you are.

2. Collaboration Tools

The enhanced capacity for connection in the digital world does not always ensure strong workplace collaboration. After all, every wave of technology brings its own set of complications. Working in the same office amidst all these developments is complicated enough; having a workforce scattered across the country even more so.

As the manager of an accounting firm, this might prove difficult on several accounts. For example, you would need time tracking software to keep a record of your accountants’ tasks. Such platforms and tools is the key to successful practice management for accounting firms.

3. Work-life Balance

More and more professionals are understanding the value of work-life balance. No longer do employees crunch culture, wherein they are forced to work far beyond their designated hours or tasks. This has become even more complicated in the digital age, as employees now face incredible pressure to stay connected and respond even outside their hours.

Millennials and zoomers, in particular, consider this among their top priorities. They are also known to be more loyal and stay longer at companies with healthy boundaries outside of work. They are also known to prefer accounting work from home or flexible hours compared to your standard 9-5. If you are to retain your employees, you must be prepared to deal with this particular practice.

Final thoughts

Times will change. That is a fact that everyone must be prepared for — especially businesses. Accounting firms are not exempt from this fact either and must adapt and adopt modern practices if they wish to experience continued success. Strong workplace collaboration sets mediocre firms apart from the great firms.

If you need help in accounting practice management, start your free trial with us at Financial Cents. We can help growing teams collaborate better using our fantastic workflow software. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.