While year-end reporting and tax season deadlines are well behind us, the pace for most Finance and Accounting teams hasn’t slowed. Many employees are still working well beyond a 40-hour week, and with more businesses embracing full return-to-office policies, the daily grind — commute and all — has only intensified.
For today’s professionals, burnout is a harsh reality — especially in the Finance and Accounting world — and that fatigue comes with a cost for both the employee and the employer. In fact, employee burnout is likely costing companies millions of dollars each year, ranging from approximately $4,000 to $21,000 per employee in the U.S., according to a 2025 study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Leaders who ignore these pressures risk lower productivity, higher anxiety, and increased turnover.
A Season for Recharging, Reconnecting, and Rebuilding
The summer season is the perfect time to invest in your team’s morale and company culture. Here’s why team building is more than just a nice-to-have; it’s a strategic necessity:
- Combat burnout: Regular, meaningful team activities help employees decompress, reducing stress, and preventing burnout.
- Boost engagement: When employees feel connected to their colleagues and the business, they’re more likely to stay engaged and committed.
- Strengthen retention: A positive culture and strong team bonds make it easier to retain top talent, especially in uncertain times.
Reboot Your Team this Summer
Ready to make a real impact? Start by making your team feel heard and valued, then watch as small changes create big results.
- Get input: Don’t assume you know what your team would like to do for a team building activity. Ask them. Whether it’s through an anonymous survey or an opportunity to be on an event planning team, let your employees be part of the decision. After the event, conduct a short anonymous survey to see if you accomplished your goals.
- Celebrate small wins: Too often, businesses only celebrate the big wins instead of looking for ways to recognize incremental change. This summer, commemorate the hard work your team puts in every day. A simple lunch, shoutout, or small token of appreciation goes a long way.
- Get out of the office: Plan team outings that get everyone away from their desks and into a relaxed setting. Whether it’s a picnic, a baseball game, or a wellness activity, fresh air and fun can work wonders.
- Launch a wellness challenge: Foster friendly competition with a 30-day summer wellness challenge focusing on either physical or mental health. You could include activities like a steps competition, mindfulness meditation, or healthy eating challenges.
- Connect with the community: Build camaraderie while giving back to the community through a firm-wide volunteer project. Schedule these activities during the regular workweek so your team doesn’t feel like they are sacrificing their personal time.
- Disconnect from electronics: It may be hard for some, but if you’re having lunch, a picnic, or out-of-office event, leave the cell phones behind (or in the car). And no work conversations during this time; get to know each other better without having business as your only connection.
- Maintain momentum: Don’t let team building be a one-time summer event. Schedule regular activities throughout the year to keep engagement strong.
Build a Resilient, Engaged Team for the Long Haul
The challenges facing Finance and Accounting teams aren’t going away anytime soon. By making team building a priority, you’re not just improving morale, but investing in the long-term health and success of your organization. When employees feel supported, connected, and valued, they’re more likely to weather uncertainty, stay engaged, and help your firm thrive.
This summer, take the opportunity to recharge your team, rebuild connections, and create a culture that stands strong through every season.
A Final Tip
One of the best ways to boost morale and avoid burnout is to bring in temporary support when the team is most taxed. Alliance Interim Solutions can quickly and efficiently help identify consultants to support a wide variety of projects or fill any temporarily unfilled roles.
This can provide much-needed relief for your existing staff. By sharing the workload and leveraging their specialized skills, consultants allow your internal teams to focus on their core responsibilities without burnout or undue stress.
Looking for interim resources to support your team and reduce burnout? Alliance can help.
