8 top tips for accountants to protect themselves during lockdown

During this unprecedented period of national lockdown, many accountants will have undoubtedly been both offering and seeking plenty of business advice and guidance. Topics to understand will have included what the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis means for their company and how they can access financial assistance, the process of furloughing staff, and what advice they can offer their clients.

But in such a challenging time with so much uncertainty and difficult decisions being made, what about looking after yourself, as well as your business? As the current restrictions approach a month since first being implemented by Boris Johnson – and with few signs of lifting in the near future – how can you keep your own mental and physical state strong in order to stay safe, happy and productive?

Olivia Hill, Chief HR Officer at AAT, has provided some top tips for accountants to look after themselves at this time.

• If you’re working from home but with other members of your family present, it might be useful to agree a self-isolation plan so you all know what to expect. This could include what your daily routine should look like and how you’ll give each other space. This could help determine when you're most available for client support, and when you’ll be out getting that one bit of exercise.
• Stick to a routine. Get up, get showered, get dressed and treat the day as you would if you were going into the office. This also helps separate out the working week from the weekend.
• Take training opportunities. How can you become better at your role – what areas of accounting, client relationships, or personal skills do you struggle with the most? There’s a world of courses and resources out there to access from home, all of which could aid your career in finance and put you in a stronger position both in the short term and when society comes back together.
• Think digitally. Technology skills are more important than ever right now, and those who have them will ultimately be more marketable in the future. Invest in yourself to build up your digital expertise and demonstrate you can keep on top of the speed of information exchange.
• Keep busy. Outside of upskilling, are there any jobs around the house that need doing? Could you focus on a particular hobby or take up a new one? How can you keep your mind stimulated in a way that doesn’t involve sitting in front of the TV during non-working hours?
• Take some time to relax. Learn a dance routine, play video games, do some yoga through an online platform: choose activities that help you to feel calmer and take your mind off things.
• Focus on your health. Eat a balanced diet, drink lots of water and get enough sleep. Try to minimise your use of alcohol. And remember to look away from your screen for around one or two minutes every half an hour to avoid eye strain.
• Stay active. Do some light exercise at home. How about finding an online fitness session? Or taking regular walks around the garden?