Window into Wipfli

Burnout isn’t just busy season: How to manage cycles of stress and change

By Maureen Pistone

Burnout is a topic that comes up often in the accounting profession, especially during times of high demand. It’s easy to associate it with a specific season or workload, but in my experience, burnout is not tied to a single moment. Sometimes it’s driven by work, and sometimes it comes from what is happening outside of work. And often, it’s a combination of both. That’s why I think it’s important to think about burnout more broadly, less about a single cause and more about how we recognize and manage it.

One of the most important things for me is to recognize that burnout is highly individual. What feels overwhelming to one person may feel manageable to another. It can depend on your role, your team, your workload and your life outside of work. But there are also times when burnout is more collective. Teams can feel it during intense business cycles or periods of sustained demand. Other times, it’s something an individual is navigating on their own, even if it’s not visible to others.

Because of this variability, I have found that there is no single, simple solution. What matters most is having the awareness to recognize it and the willingness to take steps to address it.

How Wipfli supports our people

At Wipfli, we think about burnout in terms of how we support our people in managing their work and their lives. Flexibility is an important part of that. Our flexible time-off approach allows associates to take time off when they need it, in coordination with their teams. Alternative work schedules give people the ability to adjust how they work based on their personal priorities and responsibilities.

We also invest in support systems. Every associate has a performance coach, and those relationships are an important outlet for feedback, career conversations and support. Our learning and development resources help people continue to grow and adapt as their careers evolve.

From a well-being perspective, we offer resources like an employee assistance program and health tools through Personify Health. Just as important, we create space for conversations, whether that’s through firmwide discussions or smaller group settings, so people know they’re not navigating challenges alone.

Burnout during times of change

One area where burnout can feel heightened is during times of change. When processes shift, technology evolves or priorities change, there is an added layer of stress that is not always about workload. But change is not just operational— it’s emotional. When something familiar changes, there is often a sense of loss, even if that change is ultimately positive. People move through that in different ways and at different speeds.

I try to remind myself of that when I am feeling frustrated. I step back and ask a few simple questions. Is this something I can influence? Is there any action I can take to improve the situation? Or do I need to talk to someone to get a different perspective? That level of self-awareness makes a big difference. It helps move me from feeling stuck to taking a step forward, even if it’s a small one.

Taking personal ownership

While the organization plays an important role, managing burnout also requires personal ownership and reflection. For me, that starts with being intentional about how I approach my time. I like to look ahead at my week before it begins so I’m not walking into it unprepared. I think about what I have coming up and how it aligns with what’s happening in my personal life.

I also try to set boundaries where I can. That includes being present in meetings and not trying to do too many things at once. Multitasking may feel productive, but it often creates more stress and makes it harder to focus.

Small resets can also go a long way. Getting outside for a short walk, stepping away for an appointment or simply taking a break during the day can help create the space I need to refocus.

What works for me may not work for everyone, and that’s okay. The goal is to find a rhythm that works for you and adjust it as your circumstances change.

Burnout is not a one-time challenge

The reality is that burnout, change and periods of stress are part of every life and every career. Over time, I have learned what works and what does not work for me. Through intentional practice, we can all get better at recognizing the signs earlier and responding in a way that helps us move through it.

One of the most important things any of us can do is stay open and ask for help when we need it. We are at our best when we support each other, stay connected and create an environment where people feel comfortable speaking up. That’s what allows us to navigate not just burnout but also the changes and challenges that come with it.