Unlocking Happier Property Management: Inside Our New Employee Wellbeing Committee
Introduction
If you think property management is all about fixing leaky taps and managing service charges, think again! The days of treating staff like cogs in a machine are over. Modern property management is people-powered, and at the heart of every well-run building is a team that feels valued, supported, and motivated. Enter the new Employee Wellbeing Committee at POD: a group dedicated to inspiring a healthier, happier, and more productive workplace.
Let's explore the benefits of this committee as well as the potential consequences of neglecting employee wellbeing.
What Is It?
Our employee Wellbeing Committee consists of individuals committed to creating a supportive environment for all our employees. Their mission? To champion mental health, physical wellness, and that all-important work-life balance.
It aims to be a reliable source of support, actively offering guidance and resources, making it both proactive and reactive. The committee builds on existing wellbeing initiatives, designed to complement rather than replace them. This team is developing strategies, launching initiatives, and listening to employee feedback - making sure every voice is heard.
The Team
The Wellbeing Committee is made up of employees from various levels and functions across the organisation. It’s inclusive and open to everyone - because every voice matters and contributes to shaping a healthier, more supportive workplace.
From concierges (including night staff) and maintenance operatives to property managers, senior leaders, and members of central support functions, the committee reflects the diversity of our workforce: in role, in experience, and in perspective. This diversity is an important aspect of the committee's formation, ensuring that various voices are heard and represented.
Note: An additional member of the Wellbeing Committee has chosen to remain anonymous and is therefore not pictured above.
The Future of Wellbeing
Elena Marian, Chair of the Wellbeing Committee, emphasises her role in building a workplace culture where wellbeing is central, noting that today’s employees increasingly seek employers who genuinely care. She states:
“As a Gen Z myself, I’ve seen firsthand how my generation prioritises mental health and chooses workplaces that reflect their values. This perspective challenges all of us to raise the bar on how we support wellbeing across the company.
The truth is, we spend a huge part of our lives at work - it should feel like a place where we’re respected, supported, and able to thrive. That’s why I wanted to start this committee. As a Talent Advisor, I see how deeply wellbeing connects to performance, culture, and retention - so leading this work is a natural extension of what we do in the Talent team. I also act as a bridge between the committee and senior leadership, making sure employee voices are heard and priorities are reflected at the executive level.
I am very proud of my committee and the work we do, and I am excited about what the future holds! “
Why Prioritising Wellbeing Benefits Property Management Companies
“For every £1 spent on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of their workforce, employers get on average £4.70 back in increased productivity.”
Property management can be stressful. From managing tenant expectations to juggling urgent repairs, our teams are always on the go. That’s why employee wellbeing in property management is more than a buzzword - it’s a necessity.
Stress doesn’t just take a toll on individuals, it can quietly wear down teams and affect performance. That’s why POD is flipping the script and putting staff wellbeing where it belongs: at the top of the company agenda. Our committee is rolling out programs to tackle burnout, support mental health, and inject a little fun into every day. Because when our teams feel good, our properties do too.
Employee wellbeing is closely linked to company success, resulting in:
Higher staff retention: Employees feeling respected and supported are more likely to stay with us which aids in retaining experience and talent.
Highly motivated people: This increases productivity and the overall operations of the company.
Engaged minds: Employees experience less burnout and have a genuine drive to perform well thanks to their interest.
Improved customer service: Being in a happy state is reflected in interactions with customers. This results in better support for residents and improved resilience against everyday pressures and stress.
By investing in employee wellbeing, property management companies can create a positive workplace that benefits both employees and the business as a whole.
The property management industry is waking up to the fact that buildings are only as strong as the people who run them. At POD, we’re proud to lead the charge with our innovative approach to employee engagement and wellbeing.
Supporting Night Shift Workers
Our Wellbeing Committee has a wide array of members who themselves can attest for the challenges in their work, but also on behalf of peers. The Wellbeing Committee Co-Chair, Paul, works as a Night Concierge, with shifts spanning from late night into early morning. This role is essential to property management, providing assistance and performing duties similar to those of the day concierge. However, it presents unique challenges such as sleep issues, difficulties in maintaining work-life balance, and feelings of isolation.
POD employee Paul, states:
“Working night shifts as a concierge presents unique challenges that impact both physical and mental wellbeing. The disruption of natural sleep cycles can lead to fatigue, mood shifts, and health issues, especially when daytime rest is inconsistent.
Isolation is another challenge. With limited staff and fewer residents around, the quiet can feel lonely. As the sole point of contact, night staff often face high-pressure decisions without immediate support.
Security is a major concern. While most nights are uneventful, there’s always the risk of intruders, fire alarms, or distressed residents. I’ve personally faced threatening behaviour, including verbal and physical abuse, which had a lasting impact on my mental health. Managing such incidents while remaining calm and professional requires resilience, especially during back-to-back shifts.”
Property management companies must provide support so their employees can manage these issues effectively. At POD, we believe it is imperative to address challenges like those Paul presented. This is why, in addition to pre-existing employee benefits, the Wellbeing Committee was formed.
Paul also highlights how support from fellow POD team members, combined with his own initiative, has significantly helped him manage stress.
“To stay grounded, I stick to structured routines, regular patrols, detailed logging of ticketing, key audit and parcel management and short breaks. Effective handovers with the day team also help maintain continuity and ensure our work is valued.”
Prioritising employee wellbeing is not just a moral obligation, but also a strategic advantage. For night shift workers in property management, like Paul, who face challenges such as disrupted sleep and isolation, addressing their needs can lead to improved engagement and better quality of life.
What Happens When Property Management Companies Do Not Prioritise Wellbeing
“Stress remains a major cause of short-term and long-term absence in UK workplaces”
A Harvard Business Review recently revealed that most business leaders agreed happy workers lead to talent retention, provide companies with a competitive advantage, and positively impact society as a whole.
Despite this, the property management industry, like many others, can fall short in supporting employees. This can lead to the following negative outcomes:
Decreased Productivity: Without adequate support, employees may experience elevated levels of stress and burnout, leading to decreased productivity and morale.
High Turnover Rates: Employees are more inclined to leave a company they feel doesn’t prioritise their wellbeing.
Increased Absenteeism: Poor wellbeing leads to more sick days and absenteeism. When employees are not physically or mentally healthy, they are more likely to take time off work, which can disrupt workflow and place additional strain on their colleagues. This can result in decreased overall productivity and increased operational costs.
Negative Workplace Culture: A lack of focus on wellbeing can create a toxic work environment, where employees feel undervalued and unsupported. This negative atmosphere can lead to poor communication, low morale, and a lack of collaboration, ultimately affecting the company's performance and reputation.
To mitigate these risks, it is important for the property management industry to undertake steps to improve employee wellbeing. By investing in comprehensive support systems and creating a positive work environment, companies can boost productivity, reduce turnover rates, and build a healthy, engaged workforce. This not only benefits the employees but also strengthens the overall success and reputation of companies.
The Ripple Effect: Happier Staff, Happier Residents
Here’s the thing: when our property management teams thrive, everyone benefits - especially our residents. Happy employees go the extra mile, creating welcoming environments that make residents feel right at home.
From quick responses to maintenance requests to friendly greetings in the hallway, a positive workplace culture shines through in every interaction. POD’s wellbeing initiatives have sparked a ripple effect, boosting satisfaction across the board.
And guess what? Happy residents are loyal residents, leading to higher satisfaction rates and glowing reviews. It’s proof that investing in employee wellbeing is good for business and great for community spirit.
Measuring Success: How We Know It’s Working
Wellbeing isn’t just a “nice-to-have” - it’s a strategic priority at POD. But how do we know our efforts are paying off? Simple: we measure everything. Regular staff surveys, feedback loops, and wellbeing check-ins help us track progress and spot opportunities for improvement. We celebrate wins, learn from challenges, and tweak our programs to keep things fresh and effective.
Our key property management metrics - like staff retention, absenteeism, and tenant satisfaction - have all trended upwards since launching the committee. Numbers don’t lie, and ours are singing a happy tune.
Conclusion
The Wellbeing Committee's initiatives not only boost employee wellbeing and satisfaction but also drive success at POD. By creating a supportive and positive work environment, our employees become more engaged and motivated, resulting in better customer service.
But don’t just take our word for it. Happy and healthy employees are more attentive, empathetic, and effective in their roles, leading to improved interactions with customers and maintaining the high quality of service we’re known for, as reflected in our 4.4-star Trustpilot rating. Studies show that businesses investing in employee wellbeing see higher productivity, lower turnover, and even happier residents. Now that’s what we call a win-win-win!
Our recent British Health and Safety Council Audit also commended POD’s positive welfare and wellbeing, stating:
“This is a company that places the welfare and wellbeing of their employees on the same priority level as the continued development and growth of the business. All personnel spoken to were effusive about the support given, positive management styles and engagement processes across the business The company promotes opportunities for progression within the business and many of the management appointments spoken to, had been promoted internally.”
And, at POD, we’re just getting started. The Employee Wellbeing Committee is already planning new initiatives. Our vision? To set the gold standard for staff wellbeing in property management - creating happier workplaces, stronger teams, and properties where everyone feels at home.
Choose POD For Property Management That Cares
Our commitment to employee wellbeing ensures a motivated and dedicated team, ready to provide the best service for your property needs.
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We look forward to hearing from you.