As we approach year-end, whether you’ve prepared ahead of time or found yourself in a challenging situation, it’s a busy time of year.

Whether you’re in accountancy or marketing, a team of 20 or 2, balancing the demands of this time of year are tough.

Working with hundreds of clients and candidates over 15 years’, I’ve heard of, and helped provide solutions to, issues that crop up time after time.

Here are some of my most valuable tips to help you and your team navigate this busy year-end period effectively.

Consistent Messaging and Tone in Communication 

Maintaining a cohesive approach in your communications is vital. A respectful and consistent tone will foster resilience within your team, ensuring everyone feels included and informed.

“Miscommunication happens when you use an unclear tone”, advises Forbes, and we’ve all been a situation at work or home, where miscommunication has spiralled into an argument or confusion.

Creating a shared document outlining the overall objective for your Year End, and the steps your team will take to achieve it, can be beneficial, alongside regular check ins to ensure everyone is on track.

Stick to the Plan

Adherence to your initial plan is crucial. A sudden change in messaging can complicate an already hectic year-end process.

It’s easy to get distracted, especially when other teams have other priorities that are then pressed onto your own.

Establish priorities with your team, and confirm them with higher management, to be confident that your Year End plan is prioritised above any other work.

Minimise fluctuations in the overall narrative to keep everyone aligned and focused – especially junior members of the team, who may not have experienced a challenging year-end yet!

Prepare for Unexpected Challenges

Anticipating potential challenges can provide a sense of security and foster a positive attitude.

This isn’t limited to year-end. We quite often see teams unnecessarily struggling due to lack of resource or ability to sign off on budgets, plans and necessary support when they need it most.

Take the time to plan – identify if team members are taking annual leave, or decision makers are unavailable, then plan around it and provide solutions ahead of time…

An example for accountancy and finance teams might be - The MD is unavailable to sign off on this, so would the CFO be a suitable alternative? If so, do they know what is required, or can I facilitate a handover?

By considering possible obstacles such as this in advance, you can better equip yourself and your team to make informed decisions under pressure, thus alleviating stress.

Wellbeing

Encourage your team to prioritise sleep, exercise, hydration, and nutrition during this demanding time. Don’t forget yourself!

“We often feel exhausted towards the end of the year as we are working tirelessly to tick off all the items on the work-to-do list” says Asanka Gunasekara, Ph.D., and Melissa Wheeler, Ph.D. from Psychology Today. “Employers should support self-care for the betterment of the employee as a whole person and what a well person can contribute to work versus someone approaching burnout”.

Uplift morale and boost motivation by acknowledging and celebrating small victories throughout the year-end process, keeping teams motivated and energised by their tasks.

Prioritise Each Day and Stay Organised

As mentioned above – regular check ins are a good way to ensure that priorities are on track.
Reassessing the to-do list and identifying areas to focus on will help to ensure critical tasks are addressed promptly and you keep sight of the overall objective.

Establish Clear Roles and Responsibilities 

To minimise human error in the financial reporting process, clarity in roles is essential. Assign specific responsibilities to each member to avoid confusion and overlap. Make sure everyone understands how their contributions align with the broader organisational goals.

Finally, as you navigate this year-end, take note of what strategies work well and what challenges arise. This reflection will be invaluable in preparing for next year’s year-end.

Navigating tight deadlines and increased workloads can undoubtedly be stressful.

I hope these tips guide you towards a successful year-end! Please feel free to reach out with any questions or to connect for 2025.