8. Severance and Restructuring

In 2016, the Company initiated steps to streamline its operations. The Company incurred total expenses related to these initiatives of approximately $50 thousand and $0.9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively, and approximately $0.8 million and $4.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively. These costs are included in general and administrative expenses on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company expects some additional restructuring and other costs to occur, however, the amount and timing cannot be determined at this time. The expenses recorded for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 included costs related to terminated employees and fees related to termination of professional services relationships. The expenses recorded for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 included costs related to terminated employees and other direct costs associated with implementing these initiatives. Other direct costs included contract termination costs, accelerated depreciation and asset write-offs.

The following provides the components of and changes in our severance and restructuring accruals:


		Employee
		Termination			Restructuring
		Costs			and Other
		(Amounts in Thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	1,326		$	1,786
Provision		894			44
Utilization		(1,116	)		(360	)
Balance at June 30, 2017	$	1,104		$	1,470

Employee termination costs represent accrued severance payable to terminated employees with employment and/or separation agreements with the Company. The terminations resulted mainly from changes made to the executive leadership team made during the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016.

Restructuring and other costs comprised of fees for the termination of professional services relationships for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and fees for the termination of an employee incentive program and various contracts with outside vendors for the six months ended June 30, 2016.

The aforementioned accruals are included in Accrued Expenses on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the aforementioned expenses are included in General and Administrative Expenses on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.