From the Jan./Mar. 2008 Issue
We are here — 2008 … tax season … the beginning of a new year. I don’t know about you, but I LOVE the start of a new calendar year. I always have such high aspirations and great resolutions for starting out a new year.Every year, I resolve to eat better, exercise more, spend more quality time with my family and friends, reduce the clutter in my office, clean out that mystery closet in my house, get on top of big work projects earlier in the year … you get the idea! Overall, it comes back around to finding that delicate balance, right? And yet, finding that balance gets more and more difficult as our schedules become busier and crazier as the year progresses.
BE MORE PRODUCTIVE
Technology in its many forms and functions allows us to be more productive and
can actually help us get back to a balanced life overall. How are you adapting
the technology you already have in place in your firm? Your firm needs to get
its individual “Productivity Score” by taking our “Productivity
Survey” online today at www.CPATechAdvisor.com/productivity,
and then take it again every six months to see if you are moving the needle
in the right direction. (Check out Greg’s
column to see how the intensive tax preparation process keeps looking better
and better with the latest innovations on the market that automatically populate
returns! Did I hear a round of applause?)
Evaluate the technology in your office. Is it time to update your computers? Do you have a set plan for doing that every two to three years? Have you looked (really looked) at the latest products and solutions that are now in the market to help your firm succeed? Take time (or assign a team internally to do some research) to see what tools you can take advantage of. (Our columnists over the last year have given LOTS of great tips on this subject so go back and read some of them online as you prepare to evaluate your needs for 2008. And don’t miss Roman’s column and Dave’s column of this issue for a look into the future at what technology tools and trends they see coming into view).
GET IN SHAPE
This year — this tax season — make it a goal to not only survive
but to thrive by being prepared physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually
each day in order to put your best foot forward. And help others on your team
do the same. (Check out many of the great tips in our 2008
Tax Season Survival Guide section.) Combine social time with physical activity
— maybe it’s as simple as just walking at lunch three days each
week with a friend or playing racquetball after work. (Christy Snow and Nancy
Koonce both give some great ideas
for scheduling FUN into the schedule once a week for everyone in the office.)
Sweedish researchers found that fit workers make 60 percent fewer errors on jobs that involve concentration and short-term memory. (What was that again?) And Peter Soderberg, President of Johnson & Johnson HMI, says that healthier and fitter employees have fewer and lower long-term medical claims, are absent less, have fewer disability costs, and have higher perceived personal productivity and job/life satisfaction levels. So any “wellness-related” investment you make personally (make the time) and for your staff (make the time and encourage through team sports or office contests) will provide payoffs. Studies support it.
Best wishes to you and your team for a Happy and Healthy New Year!
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