September 14 marked RU OK? Day in Australia: an initiative focused on raising awareness about mental illness experienced in silence by so many in our community – with the overarching message being, ‘it’s okay not to be okay’.
This got the hastings+co team to thinking: how is the property management community taking steps to care for themselves? In the fast-paced, emotionally fraught daily real estate race – are you dedicating enough time to self-care rituals? In recent years, meditation, ‘time out’ and mindfulness have taken centre stage in the ‘what’s hot’ arena. But what if meditation isn’t for you, and attempting to reach a state of zen feels like an uphill battle? The good news is – there’s actually several alternatives to meditation that will offer you the same benefits of relaxation.
2011’s Census revealed that anxiety and depression concern many estate agents and property managers. Further studies from the Coroners Court of Victoria discovered that the suicide rate among real estate employees was 13.4 per 100,000 – a disturbing rate higher than that of the police force. Furthermore, Victoria was identified as a ‘high risk State’, meaning Victorian agents and property managers are among the most stressed in the country.
In the course of their roles, it’s not uncommon for property managers to be abused, threatened or feel generally victimized by their tenants and landlords – in some cases, they experience bullying at the hands of their colleagues. Landlords and tenants can be very passionate, stressed or desperate in their communications – and the role of a property manager involves intervening in sometimes difficult situations involving conflict, divorce and death. Managing the emotions of stressed individuals and working through tough circumstances put property managers at heightened risk of anxiety and depression. If you feel stressed and anxious in your work as a property manager, know that you’re not alone.
So what can be done about this dangerous level of stress experienced by property managers? Some estate agencies have put measures in place to ensure their staff have access to counsellors and psychologists to help them work through mental health concerns. If you feel comfortable doing so, speak to your boss or manager about any issues of overwhelm, anxiety or depression you are experiencing – you might just change the culture surrounding mental health in your business by helping yourself!
Our practical recommendation is that you take steps to care for your own mental wellbeing on a weekly basis. Property management’s stressors are unlikely to change – from the angry tenant demanding their bond back to the landlord who won’t drop their rent or repair a hot water service. What can change if your response to these circumstances. Improve your resilience by:
- Working smarter, not harder. Keep an eye on your overtime hours: if you feel like your workload is regularly unachievable, speak to your manager about reducing your portfolio to a more manageable size.
- Stay connected with your community of support: even if you’re feeling tired, don’t isolate yourself from friends and family.
- Get those good vibes going! Ensure you have an outlet for personal expression – whether that’s the gym, yoga, walking, boxing, massage, listening to podcasts or aromatherapy.
- Make sure to reach out for professional assistance if you feel overwhelmed in the workplace or at home.
- Where possible, have a week of leave every three months.
It’s also important to keep an eye out for your colleagues. If you notice something isn’t right with a fellow property manager or agent, find a time to ask them if they’re ok – offer your help if you can. Often a simple chat can give an anxious person the sense of support they need to carry on. In closing – if you’re struggling with your mental health at work, don’t be afraid to speak up. Visit RU OK? for more information on how to offer help and ask for it yourself, and reach out if you or someone you know is at risk.
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