Agents at risk of burnout as market heats up over summer – warning

Agents are being warned about the risk of burnout as research suggests 37% of property professionals won’t be taking a summer holiday this year.

It comes as a survey by GetAgent found 24% of agents anticipate an increase in market activity and need the manpower during what is often traditionally the busiest time of the year for the market.

However, 40% of respondents said they feel at higher risk of experiencing burnout during the summer months. 

A fifth of respondents stated that they rarely take leave anyway because they are so focused on their professional development, with a further 19% stating that they are waiting until the election has passed to see how the market reacts. 

The issue of burnout is one that isn’t restricted to the summer months alone, with 34% also stating that they are unlikely to take any annual leave following the summer season. 

A further 24% stated that they are also unlikely to take all of their allocated annual leave by the end of the year, with 14% also having taken any annual leave last year.

Colby Short, chief executive of GetAgent, said:  “The summer period is traditionally the busiest time of the year for the UK property market and many agents will be anticipating an uplift in market activity with momentum now building, not to mention the potential boost of a rate cut on the horizon. 

“As a result, the very best agents will be putting any plans of a well-earned break on hold to ensure they maximise the earning opportunities available to them, whilst also ensuring they have the manpower to do so properly.

“However, while the desire to go above and beyond is an admirable one, those who are set for a summer of hard work need to ensure they take the appropriate measures to avoid burnout. While they may have no plans to take an extended period of annual leave, we all need a little bit of personal time to recharge and this is as important when it comes to our ability to maintain the service levels we provide.”