Episode 103

Hybrid Working Best Practices for Accounting Firms

Rob Brown interviews John Wichmann and John Fenton on the evolving landscape of hybrid work in the accounting industry. They explore the importance of intentionality, accountability, and the overall employee experience in creating a successful hybrid work environment. The discussion highlights the challenges firms face in adapting to new work models, the necessity of structured opportunities for collaboration, and the need for flexibility in workplace culture. They also touch on the lessons that can be learned from other industries and make predictions about the future of hybrid work in accounting.

Key Takeaways

  • Hybrid work doesn't have to be a broken model.
  • Flexibility is crucial for attracting and retaining talent.
  • The apprenticeship model is vital for professional growth.
  • Communication challenges arise in hybrid work settings.
  • Intentionality in hybrid work can enhance productivity.
  • Employee engagement is key to a successful hybrid model.
  • Diversity in the workplace benefits from hybrid work options.
  • Economic factors influence the viability of hybrid work.
  • Understanding employee preferences is essential for management.
  • The future of work requires a balance between remote and in-office presence. It's not about the amount of time spent in the office.
  • The office experience must justify the commute.
  • Intentionality is key to successful hybrid work.
  • Accountability fosters trust within teams.
  • Trust issues can arise during downturns.
  • Flexibility must be part of the firm's culture.
  • Firms need to differentiate themselves in the talent market.
  • Employee engagement is critical for retention.
  • Learning from other industries can provide valuable insights.
  • Intentionality will define the future of hybrid work.

Sound Bites

  • "We want people to be at the water cooler."
  • "Hybrid work adds a huge amount of value."
  • "It's not about the amount of time."
  • "How often has it been worth the commute?"
  • "You want to have opportunities structured."
  • "Accountability is critical."
  • "Trust issues bubble up in down times."
  • "You need to set your firm apart."
  • "Intentionality is the future."

You can watch this whole episode on youtube with graphics and images here:

https://youtu.be/fBBvlpRE75o

John Fenton is the founder of John J. Fenton Executive Coaching, where he empowers CPA firm leaders to achieve greater clarity and freedom. Previously a managing partner with BDO USA, John brings a wealth of experience to his coaching practice. He is the author of the best-selling book 5 Minute Mastery™ and an award-winning speaker on executive leadership excellence. A Certified Success Principles Trainer, John is also a current Vistage speaker and formerly served as a Vistage Coach. A double graduate of the University of Miami, John earned both his MBA and BBA degrees while showcasing his leadership skills as a member of the Miami Hurricanes Football team. Personally, he holds a black belt in the martial art of tai chi and has a profound perspective on success, shaped by his experience surviving a heart attack. https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjfentonceocoach

John Wichmann is the Founder and CEO of Gather Sciences and the creator of Balanced Hybrid®, a platform that helps organizations develop sustainable hybrid work models. With expertise in data analytics, consulting, and executive leadership, John focuses on solutions that enhance productivity and employee development in the accounting profession.

Previously, John co-founded Maptician, a workplace management software company featured in Inc. Magazine for its innovative hybrid work solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. A frequent speaker on hybrid work strategies, John advocates for approaches that drive growth, employee well-being, and environmental benefits. Based in Atlanta, he actively supports the tech community and leads the Technology Executives Roundtable as President of the Board. https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwichmann

◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢

The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers.

Thanks to our sponsors:

ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

About the Podcast

Show artwork for Accounting Voices Podcast
Accounting Voices Podcast
Accounting Voices helps people in the accounting world stay relevant visible and vocal. Host Rob Brown interprets trends reshaping the profession and gives listeners insight to build authority influence and a stronger voice in firms and markets.

Listen for free

About your host

Profile picture for Rob Brown

Rob Brown

Rob Brown is the founder and host of the Accounting Voices Podcast, the flagship solo show of the Accounting Voices Network. Each episode offers sharp analysis and commentary on the trends, ideas and people shaping the global accounting profession.

Through this Accounting Voices Podcast, Rob helps accounting firm leaders, decision makers and professionals stay relevant and make sense of disruption in areas like AI, automation, M&A, private equity and soft skills beyond the tech. His perspective blends clarity, insight and curiosity, making complex issues relevant and practical for professionals and decision makers across accounting and finance.

He also leads two monthly panel shows, Accounting M&A and Accounting AI, which bring together senior voices to explore consolidation, strategy and the impact of technology on firms and people.

Rob is the author of the bestselling book Build Your Reputation (Wiley) and a TEDx speaker whose talk The Personal Brand of You has more than 400,000 views. Over his career he has hosted and moderated more than 1,000 conversations with accounting and fintech leaders worldwide.

Based in Nottingham UK, Rob is a stroke survivor living with epilepsy, a black belt in kickboxing, a decent chess player and an average player of four musical instruments.