What’s So Great About “Busy Season?”

Isn’t that a great question… what is so great about busy season? In the world of public accounting, busy season is a never-changing constant, year in and year out. It’s intense, fast-paced, and often overwhelming. So, how do we keep employees engaged during this time?

Many of you know that McKonly & Asbury was ranked the #1 Midsized Firm to Work For in the country in 2024. WOW, IN THE COUNTRY! How did we do that? The answer is easy: our employees. The reason our employees make our firm so great is because they are engaged. Engaged employees produce excellent work, keep our clients happy, and help maintain a strong team dynamic, even in the busiest times.

Employee Engagement: The Key to Success

McKonly & Asbury routinely surveys our employees to gauge job satisfaction and engagement because we understand that keeping our team happy and motivated during busy season is crucial for long-term success. Engagement isn’t just about perks or pay—it’s about fostering a culture where employees feel valued and supported, regardless of how hectic things get.

There are many attributes that contribute to employee engagement, and McKonly & Asbury has worked hard to integrate them into our daily practices. These include:

1. Strong Leadership

Our leaders aren’t just focused on managing the workload; they’re committed to guiding, mentoring, and actively listening to their teams. This fosters trust and creates an environment where employees feel supported, not just during busy season, but year-round.

2. A Positive and Inclusive Environment

We work hard to create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels like they belong. Whether you’re a new employee or you’ve been with us for years, you’re treated as an integral part of the team. During busy season, this sense of community becomes even more critical, as we all lean on each other to get through the workload together.

3. Meaningful Work

At McKonly & Asbury, we believe that the work we do truly matters. We help clients thrive, and our employees understand that their contributions have a direct impact. This sense of purpose is crucial, especially during busy season when motivation can sometimes be hard to come by.

4. Employee Recognition

A simple “thank you” can go a long way. We make sure to celebrate individual and team achievements, even the small wins, to ensure that our employees feel appreciated for their hard work. Recognition can be as simple as a shout-out using our employee recognition program, Nectar, or as elaborate as a special event to mark the end of a challenging deadline.

5. Autonomy and Empowerment

We trust our employees to make decisions and take ownership of their work. During busy season, this autonomy allows for greater flexibility and the ability to manage workloads effectively. Employees who are empowered to take charge of their tasks tend to be more productive and satisfied with their work.

What This Means During Busy Season

When we talk about the “greatness” of busy season, it’s not just about surviving the workload—it’s about thriving in it. With a team that feels engaged and supported, busy season becomes less about burnout and more about the opportunity to rise to the occasion. The camaraderie and teamwork that we foster at McKonly & Asbury make even the most challenging moments feel rewarding.

In the end, it’s the people at McKonly & Asbury who make the difference. Our engaged employees are the heartbeat of our firm. When our teams are engaged, they are not only able to weather the storm of busy season—they help make it an experience that builds lasting connections, develops new skills, and strengthens our collective success.

So, what’s so great about busy season? At McKonly & Asbury, it’s an opportunity to showcase the strength of our culture and the incredible dedication of our people. And that, in itself, is something worth celebrating.

For more information about the careers and culture at McKonly & Asbury, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Holly Feltenberger.

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