Karachi, A recent survey conducted by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) emphasizes the importance of a strong diversity and inclusion culture, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the profession, and concerns over mental health in the workplace. The Global Talent Trends 2024 survey, which is the largest of its kind within the accountancy profession, presents critical insights into the preferences and concerns of professional accountants across the globe, particularly focusing on the unique market dynamics in South Asia.
According to Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, the survey involved feedback from almost 10,000 professional accountants in 157 countries, delving into their future work concerns and career aspirations. It also examined key workplace issues such as hybrid working, diversity, mobility, mental health, and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. A striking 73% of respondents indicated that a strong diversity and inclusion culture is crucial when choosing an employer, highlighting the need for organizations to expand their diversity efforts beyond traditional metrics to include age and neurodiversity.
The reception towards AI within the profession was mixed. While 78% of participants recognized AI’s potential to enhance the finance professional’s role by adding more value, concerns were raised about the rapid pace of technological change. An overwhelming 85% of respondents called for more technology training to ensure that professionals are equipped to leverage these advancements effectively.
Mental health emerged as another significant concern, with 57% of professionals reporting that work pressures negatively affect their mental health. This finding underscores the urgent need for employers to enhance their support systems and develop more effective well-being programs to mitigate work-related stress and anxiety.
Assad Hameed Khan, Head of ACCA Pakistan, commented on the findings, stressing the challenges of talent shortage and the cost of meeting pay rise demands. He noted that attracting and retaining talent remains a considerable challenge for employers. Khan emphasized the importance of creating an environment that values diversity, leverages technology for human advantage, and prioritizes employee well-being as key differentiators for businesses in Pakistan to remain competitive on a global scale.
ACCA Pakistan’s commitment to focusing on these key areas reflects a broader ambition to address the challenges and opportunities highlighted by the Global Talent Trends 2024 survey. By aligning with these insights, ACCA Pakistan aims to contribute towards developing a finance profession that is more inclusive, technologically adept, and mentally healthy, thereby ensuring a resilient and future-ready global workforce.