Episode 9: The State of Multifamily Mental Health

“It’s a challenging industry. Nothing is more personal than dealing with people in their homes.”
This powerful quote from the latest episode of The Multifamily Review perfectly encapsulates the core findings of the NAA's recent mental health survey. Host Marcus Armstrong sits on the other side of the microphone this time, interviewed by J Turner Research's Kevin Guo, to delve into the sometimes-uncomfortable truths about mental well-being in the multifamily world.
This isn't just another data dump. Marcus brings the human element to the forefront, sharing poignant open-ended survey responses that illustrate the spectrum of experiences, from burnout and workplace trauma to inspiring stories of support and positive change. He emphasizes the importance of moving beyond simply talking about mental health and taking concrete steps towards creating a healthier industry.
The survey, designed in collaboration with leading mental health research, reveals alarmingly high levels of distress, particularly among onsite leasing and management professionals, and even C-suite executives. A surprising finding? While C-suite members reported the highest rates of workplace trauma (a staggering 80%), they also experienced the lowest impact on their mental health. Marcus hypothesizes this may be due to longer tenure and therefore greater exposure to potentially traumatic events over time, compared to those newer to the industry.
The episode also explores the critical yet often overlooked concept of presenteeism - being present at work but not fully productive due to mental health challenges. The survey reveals that presenteeism costs the average property management company a significant $2,500 per month per severely distressed manager. That’s a powerful argument for prioritizing mental well-being!
So, what can be done? Marcus outlines three key actionable steps for multifamily companies:
Establish Clear Policies, Share Resources, and Get a Baseline.
This episode doesn’t just focus on the company's responsibility. Marcus also offers advice for individuals struggling with mental health, urging them to reach out for help and utilize the many available resources.
He also challenges the industry to shift the narrative around mental health from a negative, fear-based approach to one that highlights the positive strides being made and emphasizes a culture of support.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the multifamily industry. Tune in to The Multifamily Review to hear the full conversation and gain valuable insights into building a more supportive and mentally healthy work environment. You can find the link to the NAA mental health report mentioned in the episode here.