Real estate has always been a high-performance industry, but it can be hard for staff to keep up with expectations when external pressures mount.
Long commutes, fluctuating workloads and financial stress all impact productivity and retention. So too can global factors… and there’s no denying the disturbances in the Middle East along with the resulting immediate impact on fuel prices have everyone on edge.
Things don’t feel certain right now, but the way you and your agency respond to the current challenging conditions can influence team well-being in the short term and business performance in the long-term.
If you feel on the edge of crisis mode right now, here are some tips to help you have your team’s back so they have yours (and your clients).
Rethink flexible work
Right when we thought it was safe to mandate a return to the office… flexible work and working from home are back on the agenda. The only difference is this time it’s about cost management, not health, thanks to surging fuel prices.
Skipping the commute, even on a part-time basis, can reduce commuting costs for property managers, sales agents and support staff. As an agency, it may be time to revisit your remote work policies and build more structured, intentional flexibility into operations so your team isn’t so worried about how to fund their trip to the office.
Your policy may involve guidelines around in-office days, using technology more effectively for communication and maintaining accountability without micromanagement. The goal is to create a model that supports both performance and personal circumstances.
As we learned during the pandemic, regular check-ins on the phone and over Zoom will help you stay connected with your team if you’re not able to spend as much time working together in person.
Explore job sharing and workload balance
Job sharing is not traditionally common in real estate, but in the current climate, it may be worth reconsidering. For property management roles in particular, splitting portfolios between two team members who both work part-time can reduce burnout and create more resilience within the business.
Clear communication, defined responsibilities and shared systems are essential to making this arrangement work effectively.
Beyond job sharing, leaders should also look at how workloads are distributed. Are high performers carrying too much? Could inefficiencies be addressed by adding a lower-cost offshore headcount? This can empower your local team to focus on more revenue-generating activities while saving them from burnout.
Support your team with education and technology
There are several steps you can take as an agency leader to support your people during this period:
Provide financial awareness support
Sharing resources or hosting sessions on budgeting and financial planning can help staff feel more in control during uncertain times.
Invest in the right technology
Strong systems make flexible work more effective. From CRM platforms to communication tools and strategic use of AI, the right setup reduces friction and supports productivity.
Encourage open conversations
Create an environment where team members feel comfortable discussing challenges. Early conversations can prevent larger issues down the track.
Support mental wellbeing
It is easy to become stressed and overwhelmed, especially in the high-stakes world of real estate. An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can give your staff access to counselling and support for professional or personal problems.
Great leadership builds loyalty
The way you respond to pressure as an agency leader sends a clear message to your team about what you and the business truly value.
Supporting your staff does not mean lowering your expectations of what they can achieve. It means creating the conditions where your team can continue to perform, even as external pressures increase.
There’s no denying we’re in for a big year, but if you present a positive attitude and continue to ‘Keep calm and carry on’, your team will follow suit.
If you’d like support to acquire or sell a rent roll, contact BDH Solutions today.
FAQ’s
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When costs increase and uncertainty mounts, agencies can help their people by revisiting policies around flexible work. Allowing part-time remote days reduces commuting expenses and stress while maintaining productivity. Clear guidelines, effective communication tools, and regular check-ins can keep everyone connected and accountable without micromanagement.
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Job sharing, particularly in property management, lets two part-time staff share a portfolio to reduce burnout and build stability. Success depends on clear communication, defined responsibilities, and shared systems. Reviewing workload balance and considering offshore support for low-cost tasks can further protect high performers and keep the business efficient.
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Agency leaders can provide financial awareness programs, invest in reliable technology, encourage open conversations, and promote mental wellbeing through access to an Employee Assistance Program. Strong, supportive leadership doesn’t mean lowering expectations—it means creating conditions for consistent performance and loyalty, even when times are tough.