Welcome to our latest guest blog post! We are excited to host Neelam Bahgoo CA(SA) as our guest author this week – her piece below provides more details on (CA)LM, an initiative she launched recently to influence CAs to think differently about mental health.
- 47% want to be provided mental health support at their workplace.
- 43% want to talk openly about mental health at the office.
- 41% want their company to be engaged in social causes the employee supports.
- 34% want virtual interaction to be the norm, rather than the exception.
- 22% want cryptocurrency as a compensation option.
So, what are we doing about it?
On a positive note, audit firms are trying very hard to focus on this topic, but in turbulent times with staff shortages, COVID 19 waves continuously looming and economic pressures – there’s so much for employees to be anxious about.
Corporate culture is slowly changing, and credit is due to companies that are prioritising mental health. The challenge is that we are often so conditioned to striving to reach career goals, that it feels like we are swapping out high performance for mental health. A happy medium does exist, however it requires a shift in thinking.
People often ask me how they should communicate burn out or needing sick leave for mental health, my response always remains the same “if you broke both hands and couldn’t type– would you find it difficult to ask for sick leave?”
We must normalise treating mental health the same way that we treat physical health.
Who and what Is (CA)LM?
To answer this, I’ll share a bit about myself: I come from humble beginnings and studying came at a sacrifice, but I can safely say it was the best decision I ever made.
Being a CA(SA) opens more doors than you can imagine, as grueling as it may seem, I promise it’s worth it.
During articles I found myself grappling with the transition from student to employee, I put my head down and invested in my personal brand. In my first year of articles, I worked for a manager that made me cry every day… that was the first time in my life I had to attend counselling.
The sessions helped me combat the mental barriers created from the encounter and I was blessed to work for amazing managers and mentors thereafter, which rebuilt my confidence. I think of that negative experience as a blessing because it influenced my decision to stay on as an audit manager.
I chose to be the change I wanted to see in the system alongside managers who had a positive impact on me as a trainee.
As an audit manager, I continue to see trainees around me struggling.
I often answer calls during personal hours and chat until the person says, “okay this really helped I feel better now”. I’m very open about my journey (struggles and hiccups along the way included) and I’ve found that this makes me relatable, and people seem to feel comfortable to speak to me – it makes me happy to be able to help.
People appear to be a bit shy or cautious to reach out to me as they’re very mindful of my personal time, I appreciate this, and it makes it clear to me that there is a need for this type of coaching in our industry.
This is how (CA)LM was born – to create an accessible platform between young professionals and myself.
Why (CA)LM?
(CA)LM aims to influence people to think differently about mental health, to look at the positives of their work environment and to learn methods to make the CA(SA) journey enjoyable.
I’d like to encourage people to think differently about speaking about mental health – my sister and I like to say, “Counselling is like gym for the mind!”
If you put in hard work for physical health, why feel shame in doing the same for your mind?
When are the Sessions?
The sessions are run remotely.
An hour session is suggested to begin with, thereafter depending on the requirements of the individual a tailored program is created.
How Do I Book a Session?
Booking a session is easy – simply send an email to CA(LM) at [email protected] or message Neelam directly on LinkedIn.
What can i do right now?
To show my gratitude for you taking the time to read this far, please see a few tips (CA)LM promotes to enhance your journey below:
- Make learning your number one goal – performance ratings are in someone else’s control; learning is in yours.
- Enjoy the process and everything your firm has to offer, make time to attend social events and network – auditing is fun, ask anyone who knows me!
- Be diligent in setting up expectation meetings with your managers and feedback sessions – so many times communication is our biggest deterrent to success.
- Keep a journal of feedback and achievements – it’s important to self-reflect and monitor your goals.
- Don’t suffer in silence – at some point articles or studying may have tough moments, recognise that it’s normal and take active steps to help yourself.
- Find a mentor that can relate to you, inspires you and is invested in you as an individual, if you can’t identify someone – you always have (CA)LM.
Neelam Bahgoo CA(SA)
Neelam Bahgoo CA(SA) is an Audit Manager at Deloitte with a passion for audit and people.
She’s currently working on multiple different projects to make her mark on the world including motivational talks.
She has a wealth of experience in career coaching and has a dream to help people who are struggling in silence. She is the owner of (CA)LM operating as a sole proprietor.
Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Neelam Bahgoo CA(SA)
Neelam Bahgoo CA(SA) is an Audit Manager at Deloitte with a passion for audit and people.
She’s currently working on multiple different projects to make her mark on the world including motivational talks.
She has a wealth of experience in career coaching and has a dream to help people who are struggling in silence. She is the owner of (CA)LM operating as a sole proprietor.
Connect with her on LinkedIn.
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