Do estate agents need more help with their mental health?

A high profile London estate agency has appointed two so-called Wellness Ambassadors to look after the mental health and wellbeing of staff members.

JOHNS&CO has over 100 employees and eight branches across the capital and now two people - sales coordinator Ruta Mickute and property manager Louis Farquharson - have taken up roles to deliver a wide-ranging Wellbeing Strategy and a series of initiatives aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of colleagues. 

The agency, set up in 2013, last year launched a Wellness Strategy at the height of the pandemic.

Until now this has focused around Plumm, an app which offers one-to-one video therapy sessions, chat therapy, therapist-led online psycho-educative courses, guided meditations and live monthly events. 

The app also offers opportunities to grow self-confidence, motivation and leadership skills, enhancing wellbeing but also supporting career development. 

The company says there has been an overwhelming response from staff, with over half using the services on offer including one-to-one virtual therapy sessions, chat therapy, online wellbeing courses and meditation. 

“Having used many of the services on offer through our partnership with Plumm, including guided meditation and therapy sessions, I am looking forward to encouraging my colleagues and peers to make use of the services and hope to make a positive difference to the wellbeing of staff across the agency” says Mickute. 

And fellow-ambassador Farquharson adds: “I hope my role will help to break down some of the industry-wide stigmas associated with therapy, mental health and wellbeing and raise awareness of the services that are on offer. Ruta and I have lots of ideas we are keen to implement and look forward to bringing these forward over the coming months.” 

Clynton Nel, Residential Director at JOHNS&CO, comments: “Events of the last two years, which were challenging for us all, prompted us to take steps to enhance the support we provide to our staff in relation to their mental health and wellbeing. Whilst the worst of the pandemic is hopefully behind us, the need for continued support in this area is paramount – not least with consideration to current global circumstances.”