Feeling burnt out? Suffering from Rental Minimum Standards fatigue? We’ve got some general tips for managing stress as a Property Manager.
It’s no secret that Property Management is a high-stress field. From property inspections and listings to coordinating safety checks, scheduling maintenance, managing relationships with both owners and renters, and handling heaps of paperwork—not to mention weekend open for inspections and following up on leads—the role of a Property Manager requires wearing many hats.
The job is growing in complexity with an increase in rental legislation, adding to the workload of Property Managers and increasing financial pressure for both owners and renters. Property Managers often find themselves in the middle, balancing the concerns of owners frustrated with additional expenses and requirements, while also supporting renters facing rising rents and a shortage of affordable housing. The emotional toll of managing these dynamics can be substantial.
While a moderate amount of stress has been shown to promote resilience and personal growth, excessive stress can lead to anxiety, high blood pressure, and other health issues. To help Property Managers navigate these pressures, we’ve compiled five easy tips to help you manage stress in this demanding role.
1. Let’s get physical:
Your physical and mental well-being are closely connected, and even small daily improvements can make a big difference over time. Aim to eat well, exercise regularly, stay hydrated, and get a full night’s sleep. These habits can improve your mood, increase energy, boost memory, and enhance your overall health. They can also save you money (think of bringing your own salad vs that $15 you’d spend at the cafe down the road) which can come in very handy at this time of year...
2. Take mini breaks:
Step away from your desk for quick breaks—just a 10-minute walk can help reset your mindset, restore balance, and provide a quick refresh to tackle your next tasks with renewed focus. Radio Host Chrissie Swan is big advocate for the benefits of walking (listen here). Plus it also helps to get those steps up - see point 1.
3. Make tech your friend:
There are powerful tools available to help lighten the load for Property Managers. Take time to explore what’s available to help you streamline your tasks, and look at how platforms integrate to reduce double handling and the risk of missing something important. Taking the time to make sure you’re using them to your full advantage is time you’ll save in spades later down the track.
Look at how platforms integrate to reduce double handling...
4. Take up an after work activity:
It’s easy to let work consume your day. Setting a commitment after hours can encourage you to leave the office and can contribute to a better work-life balance, making it easier to unwind and reset for the next day.
5. Talk about it:
If you're feeling stressed, remember you’re not alone. Talking to a colleague about challenges can relieve some of the pressure and might even provide mutual support. Sharing experiences can make it easier to handle stress and sometimes offer useful insights or solutions.