Speak out on your experiences

With millions having spent lockdown grappling with feelings of isolation and loneliness, this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week had a special poignance, as Britain comes to terms with the continuing fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. Having long been quietly ignored out of stigma, mental health had thankfully started to rise up the business agenda before Covid-19.Companies of all shapes and sizes had started taking initiatives to safeguard the emotional and psychological wellbeing of their employees, while staff were increasingly encouraged to speak out on their experiences with depression and anxiety. Property management is not an industry you would necessarily associate with high levels of stress.

Yet new research reveals a growing mental toll on building managers.A new report published by the Institute of Residential Property Management (IRPM) and The Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA) revealed that 60 percent of respondents said their mental health was at risk because of their work, while almost all respondents said they had been treated rudely in the last 12 months. Some had even experienced physical assaults at work, or been the subject of hate crimes. Given the above, it is unsurprising that property managers consistently score below ONS averages when asked about how worthwhile their life is, their life satisfaction and their levels of happiness.

Britain’s cladding crisis is partly to blame. Property managers involved in cladding remediation were 90 percent more likely to have left the sector in three years’ time compared to the staff not involved. It is difficult to imagine the feeling of living in a home deemed unsafe or potentially worthless, and the papers are rightly filled with countless stories of leaseholders having sleepless nights over the prospect of a fire breaking out or being bankrupted by cladding remediation costs. Understandably, leaseholders stuck in this terrible situation are angry, and often it is property managers who bear the brunt of this anger.

Abuse from leaseholders.

Yet even in properties unaffected by the cladding crisis, property managers frequently receive abuse from leaseholders. Speaking from experience, all of the directors at Ringley have personally experienced negative interactions with leaseholders. We are fully committed to the safety and wellbeing of our staff, at all levels and particularly those working remotely or at times alone working on site, and will always support our colleagues should anyone be subject to undue pressure. As a result, we are delighted to see the proposed Unreasonable Behaviour Policy from ARMA and IRPM, which will help give our employees further protection.

Corporate entities often face criticism from clients, and while we do not claim to be perfect at all times, it is never acceptable for people going about their job to be physically or verbally abused. If leaseholders are unhappy with the way their building is managed, rather than attack staff, they should seek legal advice on how to take control of the management. The key things for avoiding disputes is communication and transparency. That is why at Ringley Group we have invested heavily in technologies, policies and procedures that are underpinned by a customer-focused approach to ensure openness and clarity. Mental Health Awareness Week may come and go but we should all strive to create positive working environments all year round, where everyone feels comfortable and secure in their roles.

PropertyWire EDITOR: Warehouse REIT Acquires £20m Industrial Estate

Supporting Mental Health in Property Management: A Critical Step for Employers

Given the mounting pressures in the property sector, employers must prioritize mental health as part of their duty of care. Property management professionals face unique challenges, often dealing with irate leaseholders, complex legal issues, and high-stress situations. To foster a healthier environment, businesses should offer mental health resources, promote open dialogue, and ensure employees feel supported both in their roles and personally. Creating a robust support system is essential for reducing workplace stress and improving overall wellbeing.

Combating Stigma: Encouraging Open Conversations About Mental Health

The stigma surrounding mental health has long hindered progress in workplace well-being, especially in industries like property management. Encouraging open conversations is key to overcoming this barrier. Companies should foster a culture where employees feel empowered to speak about their challenges, whether through mental health training, support groups, or simply by leading with empathy. When staff feel heard and supported, they are more likely to thrive in their roles, improving both their personal wellbeing and the service they provide.

Addressing the Impact of Cladding Crisis on Property Managers’ Wellbeing

The ongoing cladding crisis has taken a significant toll on property managers' mental health, with many at breaking point due to the intense pressures of remediation work and leaseholder frustrations. This is an issue that requires urgent attention, as high-stress levels within the industry can lead to burnout and staff turnover. Addressing this problem requires a collaborative approach, offering emotional support for property managers and ensuring that safety and remediation efforts don’t come at the expense of mental wellbeing.

Creating a Supportive Culture: How the Property Industry Can Lead by Example

The property sector has an opportunity to lead by example when it comes to promoting mental health. By integrating mental health initiatives into everyday practices—such as employee wellness programs, transparent communication, and proactive conflict resolution—companies can set a standard for other industries to follow. A shift toward prioritizing mental health at work can build stronger, more resilient teams, where employees feel valued and empowered to do their best work, ultimately benefiting the whole sector.