Looking Forward to 2021 with our President and Founder, Nicole DelToro:
What trends do you expect to see for the finance and accounting labor market in 2021?
Companies are still hiring finance and accounting professionals. In fact, we have more tax searches than we’ve had in 18 years.
What do you see as the future of remote work?
There has been a lot of headlines around companies going fully remote moving forward. But many of the finance and accounting teams we work with in the DC area are planning to return to the office once it is safe to do so.
Will these companies go back to the 9 to 5 in-office schedule that was standard before the pandemic?
Based on what I am hearing from our clients, at least 50% of them are planning on a full standard return to office. However, this schedule will likely provide more flexibility than in the past.
While companies may shift to an in-office schedule in the future, many companies are still working remotely as we begin 2021. Do you have any advice to avoid work-from-home burnout?
It can be challenging to work from home 100% of the time. It’s really easy to work 15 hours/day. I suggest structuring your day and taking specific breaks. Set boundaries and schedule non-work activities like meeting a friend for a socially distanced coffee, walking your dogs, or working out.
What is your favorite way to get out of the house when you are working remotely?
I am a big proponent of exercise for physical, emotional, and mental well-being. I have a friend that I walk with most nights and I try to run 3-5 times/week. During the warmer weather, I was also fortunate to be able to golf.
How should professionals go about setting goals for 2021?
Although this coming year still brings a lot of uncertainty, it cannot be much worse than 2020! Assume the best and set your 2021 goals with that in mind. I like to have both professional and personal goals, and I’m a big fan of SMART goal setting.
What should people focus on as we (hopefully) come out of this pandemic in 2021?
After a year of so much uncertainty, focus on what you can control. Since this pandemic disproportionately impacted people with pre-existing health conditions, focus on your nutrition and exercise – control what you put in your body and how you take care of it.
What trends do you expect to see for the finance and accounting labor market in 2021?
Companies are still hiring finance and accounting professionals. In fact, we have more tax searches than we’ve had in 18 years.
What do you see as the future of remote work?
There has been a lot of headlines around companies going fully remote moving forward. But many of the finance and accounting teams we work with in the DC area are planning to return to the office once it is safe to do so.
Will these companies go back to the 9 to 5 in-office schedule that was standard before the pandemic?
Based on what I am hearing from our clients, at least 50% of them are planning on a full standard return to office. However, this schedule will likely provide more flexibility than in the past.
While companies may shift to an in-office schedule in the future, many companies are still working remotely as we begin 2021. Do you have any advice to avoid work-from-home burnout?
It can be challenging to work from home 100% of the time. It’s really easy to work 15 hours/day. I suggest structuring your day and taking specific breaks. Set boundaries and schedule non-work activities like meeting a friend for a socially distanced coffee, walking your dogs, or working out.
What is your favorite way to get out of the house when you are working remotely?
I am a big proponent of exercise for physical, emotional, and mental well-being. I have a friend that I walk with most nights and I try to run 3-5 times/week. During the warmer weather, I was also fortunate to be able to golf.
How should professionals go about setting goals for 2021?
Although this coming year still brings a lot of uncertainty, it cannot be much worse than 2020! Assume the best and set your 2021 goals with that in mind. I like to have both professional and personal goals, and I’m a big fan of SMART goal setting.
What should people focus on as we (hopefully) come out of this pandemic in 2021?
After a year of so much uncertainty, focus on what you can control. Since this pandemic disproportionately impacted people with pre-existing health conditions, focus on your nutrition and exercise – control what you put in your body and how you take care of it.
Andrews & Cole is a certified woman-owned boutique executive search and consulting firm with a focus on accounting and finance professionals. Clients range from start ups to Fortune 100 in nearly every industry.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Tim Reckmann