As the COVID-19 pandemic swept into the United States this spring, accounting firm Seiler LLP activated its crisis plan, allowing employees to make arrangements to work from home.
On March 23, as employees from four offices logged on and work continued, departments ranging from HR to marketing remained involved to keep employees engaged, optimistic, and connected. “It’s a very simple equation, really,” said Lupita McLane, chief people officer of the Redwood City, Calif-based firm. “If we take great care of our people, they’ll do their best work for our clients.”
Carla McCall, CPA, CGMA, the managing partner of AAFCPAs, a tax and consulting firm based in Westborough, Mass., said employees’ anxiety at her firm has increased due to recent events. Some staffers did well at the beginning and struggled as the crisis endured. Others foundered early on and then discovered a groove.
“Not everyone is cut out for working alone at home. Some need the physical interaction,” she said. “Not seeing everyone in the office makes it more difficult for people to notice if someone is struggling.”
Working remotely can be challenging at any time, but now employees have to deal with additional responsibilities during extended isolation. “Even though employees aren’t physically in the office, keeping a productive workforce means making their mental health a priority,” said Tyler Arvig, Psy.D., associate medical director for Minneapolis-based R3 Continuum, a behavioral health and security consulting firm dedicated to workplace well-being. “The level of personal stress is unprecedented, and this bleeds over to the workplace.”
Here are some ways for organizations to promote CPAs’ mental health during the pandemic: