Why Accountants are Fat: Long Hours

Posted by James Hutchinson Jul 26, 2009

A contributing factor for obese office workers in general and accountants in particular is the expectation that work cannot be completed in a forty hour work week.

If an accountant is required to work 10-12 hours per day, plus Saturdays and some Sundays in busy season, there is little time for much else, including exercise and healthy eating.

Accountants, especially those in public accounting, work in teams, and managers make sure staff put in the requisite hours. Slacking off doesn’t help in garnering promotions, and managers and partners tend to work even longer hours.

Since there are only so many hours in the day, many active workers rise early and hit the gym before 6 a.m. or late at night. Some fitness facilities are open 24/7 to accommodate these types. Others try to squeeze in a workout or walk during lunch, although is difficult for staff, which rarely even get a lunch in busy season.

What often happens is the belt gets a little tighter.