Mental health and wellbeing in the property sector

The property sector has experienced highs and lows of late, with challenges ranging from the complexities of remote working to economic uncertainties like the stamp duty holiday. This rollercoaster of experiences, both professionally and personally, has naturally left an imprint on our mental health and wellbeing.

Residential solicitors face various challenges that impact stress levels. It is well-known that property transactions can be lengthy, and meeting client expectations is not straightforward when reliant on external factors such as replies from management companies. This is coupled with the fact that residential solicitors' obligations to lenders and compliance procedures have become increasingly demanding.

Issues surrounding leasehold properties, such as ground rent and the Building Safety Act, have intensified the complexity of leasehold properties and lengthened the process. Many solicitors express frustration with the conveyancing process as a whole and hope for reform.

Managing the stressors

While the general public benefited from the Stamp Duty Holiday, many solicitors faced high volumes of work and deadlines during this period, compounded by the challenges of navigating the pandemic. The work-life balance reached an all-time low, leading many to leave the profession.

This got us thinking about how we can make it easier for everyone involved whilst still doing a good job.

What we do differently

At Birkett Long, we take proactive steps to alleviate estate agents' workloads. We ensure regular updates are provided, and in instances where agents cannot reach the solicitor in charge, our conveyancing assistants step in to offer the necessary information. 

Additionally, we initiate the legal process promptly by requesting ID documents and the source of funds from clients at the outset, aiming to facilitate a smoother workflow proactively.

What we like working with

Due to the reciprocal nature of our relationship with estate agents, we appreciate their efforts to make our job easier. Agents who obtain clear completion dates from the chain and keep parties informed about agreed-upon terms significantly reduce the back-and-forth negotiations, saving solicitors valuable time, especially when direct communication with the chain is challenging.

We are all in it together

The property market is constantly fluctuating, and as solicitors, we are required to adapt and weather the storm. This constant change has an impact on one's mental health. So, what can we do to minimise the impact of mental illness within the sector?

It is everyone's collective responsibility to create and sustain positive work environments. Support and supervision are essential. 

At Birkett Long, we provide support through our mentorship scheme, have dedicated mental health officers, and arrange regular events encouraging employees to take a break from their desks.

At Birkett Long

We have our dedicated employment sector, which naturally advises our HR team. They are well aware that providing training on stress and mental health is crucial. 

Our daily work and personal challenges will remain, but understanding how to deal with situations and become resilient dramatically reduces their impact on our mental health. Birkett Long has invested considerable time in webinars and seminars for their employees and received positive feedback.

Talking — being able to speak to colleagues and those superior to you, sharing your experiences, and firms recognising when someone is struggling and offering guidance and support.

Being kind — yes, it is as simple as that. Tensions can be high in property transactions, and it is easy to forget that we all have the same goal.

Summary

Addressing mental health within the property sector requires a collective responsibility to create positive work environments, provide support and supervision, and offer stress and mental health training. Birkett Long's commitment to these principles, open communication, and a culture of kindness contribute to alleviating stress and promoting mental wellbeing for all involved.

This blog is part of Birkett Long's National Conveyancing Week celebrations. If you would like to discuss our conveyancing services, please get in touch. I can be contacted on 01245 453862 or via email at [email protected]