Just over, a year ago, some of the first COVID-19 cases were recorded. Much has happened since then, and your business, clients and employees have all felt the impact.

As many accounting and finance employees continue to work from home during the coronavirus pandemic, their well-being continues to be a top priority. Because a significant number of team members are trying to integrate their work responsibilities with schooling and watching their kids as well as looking after other family members, stress levels continue to rise. Uncertainty about the future contributes to increased anxiety and depression. As a result, your employees may find it harder to remain engaged and focus on their work. For this reason, it is more important than ever that you show you care about and care for your team members.

Find out how your team members truly are doing by bringing up these three topics in casual conversations.

Ask About Emotional Support Structures

Ask your employees about their sources of emotional support. During this time of social distancing, many people struggle with feelings of isolation. As a result, stress, anxiety, and depression continue to increase. To combat these issues, make sure your team members are maintaining regular contact with family, friends, and coworkers. Communicate that just because they are working at home does not mean being available on-line 24-7.  Help them find ways to separate work time and personal time. Also, remind them of the employee assistance programs your company offers. Reassure your team members that the counseling and other services are confidential and meant to be used when needed. Additionally, plan digital weekly activities, such as a virtual happy hour or game night, for your team. Employees who feel social support from work are more likely to feel valued and perform their best.

Discuss Physical Health

Find out how your employees’ physical health is. When exercise facilities close during the pandemic, maintaining healthy eating and exercise habits may be difficult. This can result in weight gain and increased risk or development of sickness or disease. To work through this issue, encourage your team members to eat healthy foods, take walking breaks, and participate in an at-home exercise program every day. Encourage company-wide or departmental FitBit or Optimity challenges. Also, mention any employee assistance programs or other resources that promote healthy eating and exercise. Healthy employees have the energy to maintain engagement and get work done each day.

Talk About the Company’s Financial Status

Share with your employees what the organization’s financial picture looks like. Because each team member’s emotional relationship with their money impacts their life experience, they need to know how the company is doing financially and how their job may be affected. This helps to reduce stress and increase security. When you discuss how the business is doing financially, be sensitive, direct, and transparent while addressing team members’ concerns. Provide information on potential government economic relief packages and other relevant resources. Relieving concerns about money cultivates resilience for the future.

Source Top Accounting and Finance Professionals

When you need to add accounting and finance professionals to your team in Western Canada, get in touch with Mercer Bradley. Together, we will find the best solutions for your accounting and finance staffing needs. Learn more today.