Member Article

Stress and mental health statistics in the UK real estate sector.

In the last two years the cost to employers of poor mental health amongst their workers has risen dramatically from 45 billion to 65 billion pounds according to a Deloitte survey. It is also a fact that more people are reporting poor mental health and feeling stressed in the workplace than ever before.

The real estate sector is a fast moving industry which reacts strongly to the economy around it. With global supply chain issues and the rise in the cost of living, the sector is being hit hard and that is impacting those who work within it. Construction and real estate covers such a wide range of roles from bricklayer to property manager to architect.

In the construction sector the latest figures from the HBF (House Builders Federation) report that 56.7% of employees have experienced mental health issues and 63.3% said that they have hidden the real reasons why they have been absence, illustrating that there is still a stigma around mental health. Meanwhile a report by Agents Together, addressing the mental health of property agents found 35% currently experience a mental health issue whilst three in four admitted going to work while mentally unwell.

Today is World Stress Awareness Day. Christine Scott is the Director of Construction and Development at London Real Estate recruitment firm Madison Berkeley. “We work hard with our clients to help them hire their staff as well as retain their staff, with mental wellbeing in mind. It stands to reason that if an employer learns how to support their staff from a wellbeing perspective, that team member will be both happier and therefore more productive. In the current climate ensuring you retain your top talent is paramount.”

Freddie Bulgin is an Associate at Madison Berkeley and places talent at many of the UK’s big real estate firms. He says there are ways that employees can also help their stress levels when starting a new job as well as in existing roles. “I always advise newly placed candidates to develop end of day habits, for me that is list writing. I use the app ‘Trello’ which allows you to easily create tasks and move them from Things to Do, Doing and Done. He says it is also important to look after your physical health - getting outdoors, going for a run, doing a quick peloton, anything that shifts your focus from work will help lower your stress levels.

Employers can help to achieve staff wellbeing by connection and communication according to Christine. “Putting a weekly catch up with a team member into the diary may seem like an inconsequential thing to do but you are building a relationship with that individual. From a quick weekly catch up you can work out if their needs are being met physically and mentally.”

Clare Coe is the co founder of Madison Berkeley and says “Good employers get to know their employees beyond the surface level and truly understand what is best for each individual’s mental health. It’s not one size fits all. It could be spending time with family, a gym class, a glass of wine with friend, live music, a sport match or having some quiet time to read a good book. If an individual’s needs are consistently met it leads to a happy and productive work force and more importantly improved mental health.

Christine has more tips for ensuring good mental health when working in the real estate sector. “Get out of the office and away from your laptop for at least 30 mins each day. Perhaps a walk outside or a bit of shopping to take your mind away from work. Don’t sit on things, if you have an issue speak with someone about it, procrastinating or delaying things only makes it a bigger problem in your mind and finally be kind to yourself, say no if you are too busy.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lucy Hood .