A quarter of people working in real estate have considered taking their own life, raising questions about company culture and the work environment in the property industry.
EG’s first mental health survey, conducted between October and November, garnered responses from 664 property professionals.
More than a quarter (26%) of respondents said they have considered suicide, with 5% stating that they have tried to kill themselves. Poor workplace culture was cited as the biggest contributing factor to poor mental health, followed by long working hours and the profit-driven nature of the industry.
Of those workers who have experienced suicidal thoughts, 86% said they had not turned to their employer for help or support.
By sector, developers are the most vulnerable and more likely to have a mental health issue or to have considered suicide than those working in four other areas assessed in the survey: agency, investment, service provision (such as lawyers and accountants) and planning.
“We welcome this survey data from EG for shining a light on the high prevalence of poor mental health experienced by people working in the property sector,” said Emma Mamo, head of workplace wellbeing at mental health charity Mind. “It is worrying to see such high levels of mental health problems and suicidal thoughts specifically within this industry. What is clear is the need for employers to take this issue seriously and try to create mentally healthy environments.”
Avison Young UK president Jason Sibthorpe described the statistics concerning suicide as “sobering and scary”. He urged the industry to raise awareness, improve culture, reduce stigma and promote a positive message around mental health.
“It feels like we are at a watershed moment, not just for the industry, but across society in general,” Sibthorpe said.
“Whether it is 25% or 5% who have considered suicide, we should still be tackling this in the same way.”
More than twice the national average
EG’s research also revealed that the number of people who have experienced a mental health issue in property is more than twice the national average.
Nearly three-quarters (71%) of respondents have experienced a mental illness, compared with 25% of the UK’s population who are expected to suffer from a mental health condition at some point in their life, according to NHS statistics.
Dr Alys Cole-King, clinical director and consultant psychiatrist at 4 Mental Health, said it was concerning that 70% of respondents agreed that there was a stigma surrounding mental health in the industry.
She said the survey responses provide invaluable insights for the industry to take away, specifically because respondents cited workplace culture as the biggest contributing factor to their mental health.
“You do not have to be an expert in mental health to make a difference,” she said. “Being compassionate, having confidence to talk to someone in distress and motivating them to get help can all have a positive impact.”
Developers most vulnerable
Taking a closer look at the property sector, EG’s survey reveals roughly 80% of developers have experienced a mental illness and 32% have considered suicide.
Those working in investment were the second most likely group of real estate professionals to have experienced a mental health issue (79%) and to have considered taking their own life (31%).
Alan Burke, who was formerly a director at Ask Real Estate but left the business after suffering a breakdown, said the statistics were “shocking” but “not surprising”.
Burke, who has now set up his own consultancy, said the development sector in particular can put its workforce under a great deal of pressure to deliver schemes on time and on budget. He added that there are more people to please, and parties to juggle, be that local communities, contractors, or planners.
“It requires a lot of stamina, perseverance, and a lot of mental resilience,” he said. Comparing the overall survey statistics to national averages, Burke said that property could be facing an epidemic, adding: “Why are these figures so much higher than the norm? It does raise a big question.”
JLL UK chief executive Chris Ireland said the survey showed that mental illness “affects a worrying number of people” working in property.
He said: “With 40% of respondents saying that they have given their employer a different reason for taking time off, it is fundamental that we remove all stigma associated with it and for it to be seen like physical ill health so we can help people get the support they need.”
Read the full analysis of EG’s mental health survey results >>
If you need help with any issues raised in this article, you can get support from:
- Mind, the mental health charity 0300 123 3393 – advice and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem
- The Samaritans 116 123 – confidential 24-hour support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts
- Lionheart 0800 009 2960 or 0121 289 3300 – charity for RICS professionals and real estate professionals
