Do real estate agents need more help with their mental health…

A top London estate agency has appointed two so-called wellbeing ambassadors to look after the mental health and wellbeing of staff members.

JOHNS&CO has over 100 employees and eight branches in the capital and now two people – sales coordinator Ruta Mickute and property manager Louis Farquharson – have taken on roles to implement a far-reaching wellness strategy and series initiatives to improve the mental health and well-being of colleagues.

The agency, established in 2013, last year launched a wellness strategy at the height of the pandemic.

So far, this has focused on Plumm, an app that offers one-on-one videotherapy sessions, chat therapy, therapist-led online psycho-educational classes, guided meditations, and monthly live events.

The app also provides opportunities to develop self-confidence, motivation and leadership skills, improving well-being but also supporting career development.

The company says there has been an overwhelming response from staff, with more than half using the services on offer, including one-on-one virtual therapy sessions, chat therapy, online wellness classes and meditation.

“Having used many of the services offered through our partnership with Plumm, including guided meditation and therapy sessions, I look forward to encouraging my colleagues and peers to use the services and hope to make a positive difference for the well-being of staff across the agency,” says Mickute.

And fellow Ambassador Farquharson adds, “I hope my role will help break down some of the industry-wide stigma associated with therapy, mental health and wellbeing and raise awareness of the services offered. Ruta and I have lots of ideas that we can’t wait to implement and we look forward to showcasing them over the next few months. »

Clynton Nel, Residential Director at JOHNS&CO, comments: “The events of the last two years, which have been difficult for all of us, have prompted us to take action to improve the support we offer our staff with regard to their mental health. and their well-being. With the worst of the pandemic hopefully behind us, the need for continued support in this area is paramount, especially given the current global circumstances.