Mental Health in Real Estate for Men

Movember each year serves as an important reminder that mental health and suicide prevention is one of the biggest health issues facing men.

Shockingly, suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under 50 in England and Wales, although the highest suicide rate is those aged 50 to 54 years.

40% of UK men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health, despite over three-quarters suffering from common symptoms like anxiety, stress or depression (Priory Hospital Roehampton).

Men and Mental Health

Work is the leading cause of poor mental health in men, impacting 32% of respondents (Priory Hospital Roehampton). Men are more likely to suffer in silence as they feel less able to discuss mental health issues at work because of the shame associated with it.

Mental Health in Real Estate

Real estate is still a male-dominated environment, which can be especially tough for men experiencing poor mental health. In fact, research from Wysa this year revealed that 61% of professionals in our sector have struggled with thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation, underscoring the industry's high-stress environment.

Predominately male groups often value mental toughness and competitiveness, encourage long hours and create pressure to hide vulnerabilities.

Despite the recent growing awareness and recognition of mental health in society, we must work to ensure this is fully reflected in our workplaces to successfully tackle the stigma. But how?

• Training to equip managers with the skills needed to better understand poor mental health at work.
  • Engage a UK mental health provider to provide training
  • Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training course for employers to ensure Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace
• Devise a mental health at work policy that everyone is aware of.
• Support mental health in the same way as physical health.
  • Identify the most effective, practical solutions for your business, maximising existing assets and processes.
• Normalise work conversations around mental health.
  • Establish a common language and shared understanding around mental health.

Expectations around what employers are providing are shifting: Recent research from Calm revealed that nearly 70% of Gen Zers and millennials expect employers to assist in reducing stress and anxiety. However, only around one-third of employers currently provide a mental health solution.