Back in the office, loneliness can still be a problem

COMMENT Although the worst of the pandemic is hopefully behind us, its legacy cannot be forgotten, not least in regard to mental health. The culture of real estate is in part the sense of collaboration and being part of a team and so, for many, working remotely brought with it a sense of isolation and disconnection, which saw a deterioration in their overall wellbeing. That is why this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme of loneliness will be poignant to so many. While many of us are embracing a new hybrid working pattern and being back in the presence of colleagues in the office, loneliness can still be an issue. It is often identified as an entirely subjective feeling relating to the gap between a person’s desired levels of social contact and their actual levels of contact. Loneliness is not about being alone, it is a feeling, and people can often be surrounded by people and still experience feelings of loneliness. We are working hard to reduce the stigma associated with mental ill-health but many people still suffer in silence, which is why CBRE puts mental health at the forefront of wellbeing. Throughout the year we regularly host events, activities and training. This Mental Health Awareness week provides a spotlight on connections as we continue to encourage colleagues who may be suffering to engage with the support on offer. Spot the signs Throughout the week, across our London and regional offices, we are hosting a range of in-person and online programmes, including mindfulness, activities and drop-in opportunities, as well as panel sessions with a range of speakers. Our offices will host a “Buddy Bench” for breakfast and lunchtime, to encourage people to sit together rather than eating alone, as well as a “Walk Mates” programme encouraging people to walk and talk. At their heart, these sessions aim to educate people about mental health, to spot the signs that someone may be unwell and to build community feeling, connecting with colleagues across the business. We are lucky to have Henrietta House, just off Oxford Street, as our new UK headquarters – a building designed to promote mental health. On-site fitness facilities allow for our employees to take time out during the day for some endorphin-releasing exercise or relaxing yoga, in recognition that physical wellbeing has a direct impact on mental wellbeing. Collaborative spaces promote time together with colleagues, while our library and contemplation rooms offer dedicated space for quiet reflection. We have an on-site therapist who visits weekly and mental health first-aiders. Recharge yourself More than anything, this week is an opportunity to think about how we can help others. My key takeaway is to check in regularly with your friends, family, colleagues and neighbours. For some people, the post-Covid world hasn’t been the transition back to life as we knew it before, and many people are experiencing ongoing struggles with adjusting to their new normal. Include people in your plans wherever possible and appropriate, connect with colleagues if you are going to be online and include everyone in team socials and any events. Remember there will always be help available. The real estate industry offers a range of support, including the LionHeart support helpline for past and present RICS professionals. CBRE’s mental health first-aiders (300 in total across the UK) have completed training to listen, spot the signs and signpost help to others. It is an invaluable scheme, and certainly something which could be rolled out across other workplaces. This week, more than ever, take time out from life to connect with yourself and with others. We recharge our phones and laptops regularly but often forget to recharge ourselves. Make plans with friends, family and neighbours to spend as much or as little time as you would like with them. Most of all, as well as being kind to others, we need to be kind to ourselves. Guy Gregory is executive sponsor for mental health at CBRE The LionHeart helpline can be contacted on 0800 009 2960, or +44 121 289 3300 if you are outside the UK. The charity can also be reached by email at info@lionheart.org.uk