FEATURE TOPIC
Ways to boost wellbeing
With payroll professionals under pressure to meet deadlines, support employees and stay compliant, managing stress and maintaining balance is a constant challenge. Jerome Smail, Freelance Journalist, talks to payroll leaders to find practical strategies for reducing stress, building resilience and creating a healthier, more supportive working environment
This issue, Jerome spoke to: ● Juliet Rose Clarke ChMCIPP, Senior Payroll Accountant, CME Group ● Sarah Smith MCIPPdip, Policy and Research Officer, CIPP ● Michelle Sutton ChMCIPPdip, Head of Reward and Pensions, SUEZ.
What are some practical steps payroll professionals can use to manage stress, especially during peak times like payroll deadlines? Juliet Rose Clarke: Putting together a plan of action for a period allows you to identify tasks and prioritise each accordingly. Clear communication of your needs regarding information and submission dates will allow colleagues to support you. Through your planning, you’ll also be able to identify tasks
which may need delegating to others within your team. It’s important to take small breaks during the day, even if this is only to step away from your desk and walk along the corridor. This allows you time away from the computer screen and the data itself. A short break of five to 10 minutes every couple of hours can help you relax and recharge. Working in a department and as part of a team means there’s always someone
available to help. This may simply be a quick conversation and not necessarily work- related. By using the support of colleagues, you allow yourself a chance to unwind while also providing them with similar support. Having a hobby or activity that you enjoy is another useful way to manage stress. This could be reading a book and escaping into the story on your journey to and from work or at home. For some, it may be going for a run in the morning or the evening. These
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | May 2025 | Issue 110 26
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