Stress, Burnout, and Mental Health: A Guide for Internal Auditors

What You'll Learn

• Why internal auditors face unique stressors that can impact mental health
• How to recognize early signs of burnout in yourself or your team
• Practical strategies auditors can use to reduce stress on the job
• What employers can do to build a culture that supports workplace mental health
• Tools, habits, and resources that help internal auditors maintain balance

Mental health is a topic that employers in many sectors are keenly aware of these days, but one group that tends to get overlooked unfairly is internal auditors. The field of internal audit can be demanding and stressful. Auditors often face high-pressure situations and the responsibility of ensuring financial integrity and compliance with regulations. In addition, their presence can be unwelcome, and their motivations are often misunderstood. Exposing risk and identifying issues in an organization can naturally put clients on the defensive.

Dealing with all these various forms of stress daily can negatively impact mental health, yet mental wellness is crucial to being a successful professional. So what should internal auditors do to ensure they are in an optimal position to navigate the mental health challenges of the profession? In this blog, we’ll lay out ways that employers can be proactive in supporting auditors’ workplace mental health, especially in high-pressure environments that may lead to burnout.

Recognizing signs of mental health issues

It's important for internal auditors and their employers to recognize early signs of stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout. These may include changes in behavior, mood swings, increased absenteeism, and reduced productivity. It can be hard to notice these signs if, for example, an employee is regularly off-site with clients or working remotely.

Employers should be sure to check in on the pulse of their teams and individuals regularly. How are they feeling? What’s stressing them out? Are they able to enjoy time away from work, or does the stress follow them into their personal time as well? These questions are essential in maintaining a healthy approach to workplace mental health.

Ways to be proactive

Internal auditors should have opportunities to relax, spend time with loved ones, and engage in hobbies and activities outside of work to prevent burnout. Many organizations are recognizing the importance of mental health and are providing resources and support for their employees.

This can include Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), counseling services, and initiatives that promote a culture of well-being. Reducing the stigma associated with mental health is key. Encouraging open and non-judgmental conversations about stress, workload, and overall wellness can create a more supportive environment where employees feel seen and valued.

Self-care

Auditors should practice self-care, which includes getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, and finding healthy ways to manage stress. Self-care is a crucial aspect of maintaining good mental health and avoiding burnout.

Time management and prioritization

Effective time management and prioritization skills can help auditors manage their workload and reduce stress. Learning to delegate and say no when necessary is important for setting boundaries and maintaining focus.

Professional development

Continuing education and professional development can enhance an auditor's skills and confidence, which positively impacts mental health by reducing anxiety about job performance and helping auditors feel more in control. Check out our internal audit guide for best practices and strategies.

Tools for dealing with stress on the job

Internal auditors often face challenging situations when dealing with difficult clients or complex audit projects. To ensure they remain professional and balanced, they can use various tools and strategies to manage their stress and protect their mental health.

Here are some helpful approaches:

• Maintain open and clear communication with the client. Ensure expectations are well-defined and understood by both parties.
• Thoroughly plan the audit, setting clear objectives, scope, and timelines to avoid surprises.
• Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness to stay calm during high-pressure moments.
• Consider time management strategies like the Pomodoro Technique to break work into manageable segments.
• Learn and apply conflict resolution skills to handle difficult client interactions constructively.
• Continuously update auditing skills and knowledge to boost confidence and competence.
• Seek support and advice from colleagues or supervisors. Sharing experiences can provide insights and coping mechanisms.
• Prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Adequate rest, exercise, and leisure time are key.
• Proactively identify and address potential sources of conflict or stress before they escalate.
• Always uphold ethical standards, which serve as a foundation for confidence and professional integrity. Watch our webinar on applying ethics for internal auditors.

Not every difficult situation can be completely stress-free, but by implementing these strategies, internal auditors can reduce their risk of burnout and improve their ability to navigate high-stakes work more effectively.

Seeking help and being a supportive employer

If an auditor is struggling with their mental health, it's important to seek help. This could involve reaching out to a mental health professional, talking to a supervisor or HR department, or confiding in a trusted colleague or friend. Employers should foster an environment where this is not only accepted—but encouraged.

Auditors must also be aware of legal and ethical considerations related to mental health. For example, they should handle sensitive information with care and maintain confidentiality when dealing with mental health issues within their organization. In some industries, there may be regulations or standards related to employee mental health and well-being. Internal auditors should be aware of these and ensure their organization’s compliance.

Ironically, while internal auditors are often responsible for helping organizations improve, they too must be empowered to grow. Mental health challenges, like organizational issues, are opportunities for transformation. That’s why it is critical for auditors to be role models when it comes to resilience, self-care, and seeking support.

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