The challenge of workplace loneliness hits particularly hard in tax practices, where remote work and intense seasonal pressures can strain team connections. With one in five employees reporting feelings of loneliness at work, small tax firms must address this issue head-on, especially during the demanding tax season.
While many firm owners believe bringing everyone back to the office is the solution, research shows work location isn't the primary factor in workplace loneliness. Creating a connected tax practice requires intentional effort, particularly for remote and hybrid teams. Virtual morning stand-ups that begin with personal check-ins, shared digital spaces for non-work discussions, and regular team lunches can foster relationship building without disrupting productivity.
Effective virtual team bonding can take many forms. Virtual escape rooms have become popular among tax practices, allowing team members to solve puzzles together while building problem-solving skills. Online trivia sessions focusing on tax knowledge mixed with general topics can make learning engaging and social. Virtual coffee roulette programs, where team members are randomly paired for 15-minute video chats, help build cross-team connections. Some firms have found success with remote cooking classes where teams prepare meals together, sharing cultural experiences and recipes. Whatever your choose, it’s clear that providing team bonding experiences is more important than team location.
Culture plays a crucial role in fostering connection. Firms that actively demonstrate care for their team members through flexible scheduling during tax season, celebrating personal milestones, or providing support during challenging times create an environment where relationships can flourish. Partners and managers who make time for one-on-one check-ins and actively participate in social activities signal that relationship-building is a firm priority.
While the pressures of tax season can make it tempting to focus solely on productivity, firms that invest in building strong team connections often find they benefit from increased collaboration, reduced turnover, and improved employee satisfaction. By making relationship-building a year-round priority and embracing creative virtual bonding activities, tax practices can create a work environment that supports both professional excellence and personal well-being, regardless of where team members work.
Christine Gervais is a licensed CPA, using her skills to help businesses grow and achieve their fullest potential. Christine has a Master’s degree in accounting from Southern New Hampshire University in addition to holding her CPA license for over a decade. Notably, Christine is a nationally recognized speaker providing education to other CPAs on how to best serve clients as well as instruction on a wide variety of topics for business owners on how to maximize success. Christine prides herself on the value she can bring to clients with her extensive tax knowledge and provides strategic, forward-thinking financial strategies to help clients grow. When not behind her desk, you can find Christine spending quality time with her daughter and stepson or tending to the family’s excessively loved farm animals.
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