Property industry still not taking mental health seriously, says report
Research among 800 conveyancers and estate agents finds 20% with no support and many others offered more flexibility, but no real tailored help.
Estate agency bosses whose teams face long hours and highly competitive markets have been urged to take mental health more seriously.
The call has come from industry software firm TM Group which canvassed some 800 property professionals, 20% of whom said their employer had yet to implement any wellbeing initiatives.
This trend is strongest within the conveyancing sector and least prevalent within the estate agency world.
Nevertheless, TM Group’s sales director Nick Ball says that, despite the efforts of charities such as Agents Together to promote both a less ‘work hard and play hard’ culture and a more progressive approach to mental health, many staff face challenging environments.
Taken advantage of
The firm’s CEO Joe Pepper (pictured), adds: “Given the well-publicised push for change, including the Call for Kindness pledge, Be Kind We Care, and Agents Together’s Healthy Mind initiative – there was a sentiment that some felt that they were being taken advantage of in the circumstances and that some firms were only paying lip service to the importance of employee wellbeing.
“Only time will tell if business leaders wake up to the issue or let their guard down just when property professionals need them most.”
His firm’s report, The New Normal, also reveals that many firms think more flexible working, working from home and more social events after business hours are the answer but, the report outlines, this doesn’t help facing 50-hour weeks, weekend working and aggressive targets.
TM Group, which also operates the MIO sales progression platform, has appointed ‘mental health first aiders’ across its business.