How to Manage Stress in Corporate Finance Departments: 7 Tips for Managers

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Corporate finance and accounting teams face an array of pressures, from navigating evolving compliance requirements to adapting to changing business priorities. And while workplace stress has a strange way of driving productivity and fostering a “we’re all in this together” attitude, if it becomes excessive or prolonged, it can have detrimental effects on employees and increase the risk of burnout.

There is no single solution for how to manage stress in a corporate finance department effectively. Managers need to apply a mix of best practices to create a positive and balanced work environment. Here’s a look at seven strategies that can help move the workplace stress level for everyone in the organization toward the lower end of the scale.

7 Tips to Manage Stress in Corporate Finance Departments

Prioritize meeting efficiency
Enhance collaboration with technology
Provide flexible work arrangements
Set a positive example
Encourage employees to prioritize wellness
Promote open communication
Adopt a flexible staffing approach

This is one of the most straightforward ways to manage stress in corporate finance departments. When teams are up against a big deadline or juggling various urgent demands, an invitation to attend a meeting they really don’t need to be at can cause frustration and undermine productivity.

So, before scheduling any meeting, consider these three questions:

Is this meeting necessary? Routine or nonurgent information can often be shared via email or memo, freeing up time for employees to stay focused on their tasks.

Who needs to attend? Only include those who truly need to be present as “required.” However, take care not to exclude anyone who might have a vested interest in the subject matter; simply make those attendees optional. Also, offer to record the meeting, if possible, so those who can’t attend can catch up later.

What is the agenda? Providing a clear agenda in advance of the meeting gives attendees time to prepare, which makes discussions more focused and productive.

Remember, virtual meetings can be just as disruptive to your team’s workflow as in-person gatherings. Avoid over-scheduling video calls and allow flexibility on camera use; on high-stress days, employees may appreciate the choice to remain off-camera.

Check out this post for tips on virtual meeting etiquette.

Workers who feel disconnected within an organization can experience heightened stress and low morale. Providing modern collaboration tools that streamline communication — including for staff in remote or hybrid work environments — can help improve morale and promote team cohesion.

Invest in technology that helps drive idea-sharing, problem-solving and innovation and empowers your team members to deliver their best work more efficiently. To that end, make sure your employees are trained to make the most of new tools like AI and can quickly access support if technical issues arise.

Work flexibility has become essential to attracting and retaining top talent, and not just for employers of finance and accounting professionals. According to research for the 2025 Salary Guide From Robert Half, many companies are offering hybrid work and flexible schedules specifically to woo skilled talent.

Even if you can’t offer hybrid or fully remote work opportunities at your company, schedule flexibility can help your employees achieve a better work-life balance. That, in turn, can help them reduce stress and keep them engaged and satisfied.

How to manage stress in a corporate finance organization hinges greatly on how leaders in the department approach their own work. If you regularly put in long hours, send emails late in the evening or over the weekend, or seldom step away from your computer to take a breather, your employees may feel compelled to adopt similar habits.

While it’s not easy for managers to consistently carve out time for regular breaks or using vacation days, it’s important to set the right example for employees. By prioritizing a healthy work-life balance for yourself, your team will be encouraged to do the same.

Having trouble dealing with stress at work? See these nine tips.

Promoting wellness in the workplace has become standard practice for many companies. Research for Robert Half’s latest  Salary Guide found that 85% of U.S. employers provide mental health benefits to their employees — and 81% offer wellness perks.

Healthy people are typically better able to weather stress than those less mindful about their overall wellness, or who don’t have enough time to focus on it. So, be sure to encourage your employees to devote ample time during the workweek to focus on their wellness and take advantage of any company-provided benefits that may be available to them.

Need ideas for promoting workplace wellness? Read about these five trends.

There are many contributors to workplace stress, from shifting priorities to external pressures. And while feeling stressed about work demands is not unusual, employees may still hesitate to speak up when they are overwhelmed. They may worry that others, including their boss, will think they are unable to handle their job responsibilities.

Strive to create a work environment where your team members feel confident that they can voice their concerns — and be heard. Encourage open conversations about workplace stress, and let your team know they can reach out if they need a helping hand. Demonstrating empathy can go a long way toward helping employees manage stress more effectively.

Finance and accounting teams often face cyclical periods of heightened demand, such as during tax season or the year-end close. Special projects can also add to the workload unexpectedly, and many teams are staffed to handle only the day-to-day responsibilities. Without additional support, even one unexpected task can lead to overload.

So, as a final tip for how to manage stress in corporate finance, consider bringing in contract professionals or project consultants during peak times to alleviate the pressure on your core staff. Whether you hire seasonal employees to work on-site or remotely, this flexible staffing approach can help support your team’s well-being while promoting work continuity and quality.

Robert Half is here to help. Learn more about our flexible staffing solutions, and how we can work with you to find the best approach to meet your specific needs.

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