Marvin OnumonuThe Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC) has launched a series of Q&A webinars focusing on mental health.
The series features conversations with mental health experts, including an exclusive session with Katie Buckingham (pictured), founder of Altruist Enterprises.
Altruist Enterprises helps businesses promote mental wellbeing through training and coaching.
The first webinar was introduced by Jason Berry, MIMHC co-founder and group sales director at Crystal Specialist Finance, aiming to improve the mental health of mortgage industry professionals by sharing best practices.
Buckingham encouraged mortgage companies to prioritise employee wellbeing alongside other business objectives.
She also offered tips for managers to identify and support colleagues facing mental health challenges.
Berry said: “This conversation with Katie has truly kickstarted our new Q&A series by providing expert insight into the most appropriate way for mortgage companies to spot warning signs linked to deteriorating mental health before initiating effective conversations that can truly make a difference.
“It’s incredibly important that we have these conversations and raise awareness of issues surrounding mental wellbeing as the findings of the latest MIMHC survey demonstrate that our sector still has too many unhappy individuals close to burnout.”
MIMHC’s 2024 survey found that 62% of industry professionals routinely work more than 45 hours a week, with 13% exceeding 65 hours.
More than half (56%) reported being either just ‘moderately happy’ or ‘totally disillusioned’ with the sector.
The Q&A webinars are recorded live to encourage participants to share their experiences and ask questions.
Buckingham said: “I often find when speaking to managers that they might be reticent about approaching the topic of mental health because they feel they don’t possess the requisite skills to initiate conversations.
“They might even be concerned that they might make the situation worse – or think it’s a personal issue for an individual employee.
“But it’s essential to discuss mental health openly and frankly – simply being there to support and listen can make all the difference.”
