Why aren’t accountants asking for help
New research by caba finds thousands of ICAEW accountants facing burnout or financial pressure aren't reaching out for help, and stigma remains a critical barrier.
A recent needs analysis by caba, the occupational charity for ICAEW chartered accountants, has uncovered that more than 7,000 professionals could benefit from financial or emotional support each year, but the majority remain silent.
Despite serving over 5,000 individuals last year, caba’s research suggests that only 32% of those facing burnout-related challenges actually sought professional help.
The rest cited barriers ranging from uncertainty about where to find support (19%), to concerns about cost (17%), and simply feeling too busy to reach out (19%).
“These statistics highlight not only logistical barriers, but also deeper cultural and psychological obstacles,” said Ola Opoosun, Head of Support Services at caba. “For many in the ICAEW community, asking for help can feel unfamiliar, unjustified, or even shameful.”
According to caba, this reluctance is often driven by a persistent internal narrative: I should be able to cope. But in many cases, this self-reliance leads to a worsening of both financial and health-related hardship.
“We’ve seen people only discover the true extent of their difficulties through a professional assessment,” said Opoosun.
Among those who eventually accessed support, many were surprised by the resources available — from grants for emergency household items to mobility aids.
“These interventions may seem modest, but they can bring vital stability during periods of stress,” she added.
To tackle the issue, caba has announced a new strategic direction from 2025, focusing on normalising help-seeking behaviour within the profession.
This includes launching stigma-reduction campaigns and expanding outreach efforts through ICAEW channels, firm partnerships and digital campaigns.
caba also aims to make support easier to access — including faster pathways to one-to-one services and broader messaging to ensure members and their families are informed.
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“By fostering a culture of openness and peer support, we can help more people take that critical first step — whether for themselves or on someone else’s behalf,” Opoosun said.
