Mental health is a pivotal component in personal and professional success, so we should all take a stand and work to erase the stigma associated with seeking mental healthcare. Working as a leasing professional in the multifamily industry today comes with a large share of stress. Therefore, it’s important for us to understand how to identify and seek appropriate help dealing with mental health challenges during the COVID-19 crisis.
It can be argued that the most challenging aspect of working in property management is managing people. Below are the 5 groups of people you probably find yourself juggling as you navigate your daily work life as a leasing professional or property manage:
- Residents/Prospective Residents – Right now, some of your residents may have lost jobs or had family members who contracted the virus (or even contracted it themselves). They’re feeling stressed about safety and financial stability. Remember and understand that your residents are experiencing hardships and may be struggling with their own mental and emotional health. You should take some time to look for and compile helpful resources for your residents in this time of need. As tough as it can be to do (especially since you are also stressed right now), try not to take residents’ expressions of stress and anxiety personally. Empathy is key!
- Employees/Co-workers – It’s important to identify and be mindful of the stress levels of our co-workers. When you consider how much time you spend with your co-workers each week, they become like a second family. Solidarity is crucial; you need to be able to work as a team and support one another, especially in stressful situations. If you can see someone is struggling, try reaching out to offer support in the form of listening or asking how you can help.
- Corporate Office – In times of crisis, you need to be able to reach out to your corporate office and ask for help. Even though you may not always feel like those in the corporate office are there for you, they really are. Reach out and ask for help and they will do what they are able to help support your team. Regular communication between corporate and onsite teams will go a long way to create a good sense of stability within the company.
- Suppliers/Vendors – Imagine the stress of trying to make a sale during these times when many communities are not in a position to take on new products and services! Again, remember empathy as you take calls from vendors. Even if you are not able to buy what they are selling, it costs nothing to be warm and friendly in your interaction. Also, many suppliers may be offering support services in these times.
- Yourself – The most important person you need to manage is yourself! If you are not able to manage your own emotions and mental health, you will not be fit to manage others effectively. When you are struggling, you must reach out for help! Don’t be afraid or ashamed to get the help you need to be healthy; you have other people relying on you!
Step forward to help abolish the stigma of seeking mental healthcare. Don’t be fearful of judgement from mental health providers; they will not judge! Rather, they are there to help you process the things you have going on. Consider meditation or breathing exercises as immediate support to manage stress in the moment. There are many simple, free videos for meditation and breathing techniques online as well as other apps and resources for dealing with mental health challenges during the COVID-19 crisis.
Click here to access additional COVID-19 Multifamily Training Resources
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Contributed by:
John Sons
Director Training & Marketing Strategies
Burlington Capital Properties
John serves on the NAAEI Program Administration Committee, the NAA Operations Committee, is a NAA LYCEUM candidate, a Greater Nashville Apartment Association LYCEUM candidate and is a member of the NAAEI Faculty. He has over 32 years of experience in the multifamily industry.
Edge2Learn is an eLearning company whose focus is the Property Management Industry and specializes in property management training and multifamily education. With over 30 years of experience and a commitment to increase industry excellence, we are passionate about engaging learners to maximize benefits for both companies and employees. Aligned with a well-respected industry leader, Ellis, Partners in Management Solutions, the Edge2Learn platform provides a turnkey solution for clearly identified needs and opportunities. We prepare learners to deliver a superior customer experience and also reduce corporate liability risks and overall employee turnover.
