Balance for Property Managers: Myth or Reality?

The pursuit of a work-life balance remains a perpetual challenge. Property managers play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of properties, a task that involves a wide range of responsibilities, from managing tenant relations to overseeing maintenance. The unpredictable nature of the work, with after-hours emergencies and fluctuating workloads, makes the search for balance difficult.

It is no longer just about dividing time between the office and home; it’s about having the flexibility to address property issues while preserving time for relaxation, family, and leisure. It’s also a matter of mental and physical health, focusing on preventing burnout through healthy work habits and supportive company policies.

The ability to adapt to new work modes, such as hybrid or remote models, which are becoming increasingly common, is also important. Using technology to streamline operations improves efficiency, freeing up valuable personal time. Embracing this balance means building a sustainable and satisfying lifestyle, in harmony with an evolving work culture.

Why is this Essential?

Property managers are central to tenant satisfaction, and a balanced lifestyle allows them to provide quality service without compromising their own well-being. Overwork can lead to mistakes or oversights that harm tenant relations and the property's reputation.

The role of a manager involves juggling many tasks and sometimes multiple properties, often with competing priorities. Balance is crucial to avoid feeling overwhelmed; it helps maintain focus and efficiency in managing each property’s varied needs, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions. A leader sets the standard. By respecting well-established boundaries between work and personal life, a culture of respect for personal time is encouraged, which can boost employee morale, reduce turnover, and increase productivity.

The real estate industry is constantly evolving, and managers must stay informed and continue to develop professionally. Work-life balance offers the necessary time for ongoing training and industry engagement, essential for remaining competitive and innovative in the field.

Common Factors Disrupting Property Managers’ Work-Life Balance

Property management often requires constant availability, with emergencies not respecting office hours. This expectation of permanent availability can lead to significant intrusions into personal time, making it difficult to disconnect and recharge. The needs and expectations of tenants and owners are numerous, and the pressure to respond quickly can spill over into evenings and weekends, disrupting personal plans and family time. There’s also the unpredictability of maintenance issues or other property-related emergencies, requiring immediate attention.

Administrative duties, paperwork, compliance, and financial reports can be overwhelming. During peak periods, such as the end of the month or fiscal year, the workload can explode, contributing to an unbalanced lifestyle.

With the rise of property management software and mobile communication, managers may struggle to distance themselves from work. The constant flow of emails, messages, and notifications creates a hard-to-break connection with work, even during supposed rest hours.

Achieving a Healthy Work-Life Balance as a Property Manager

Property managers should set strict working hours and communicate them clearly: allocate specific times for property visits and establish emergency protocols that don’t compromise personal time. Implement a communication management system that prioritizes urgency and relevance, using automated responses and setting precise hours for checking and responding to emails and calls, for example. This helps protect personal time while still providing excellent service. Delegation is vital in property management. Building a trusted team to handle daily operations can significantly reduce stress. Managers should train their staff and contractors to handle routine tasks and emergencies.

Many property management software solutions also allow for automating tasks such as rent collection, maintenance requests, and tenant communication. These technologies can save a lot of time, reducing manual interventions and fostering a more balanced life.

The technique of time blocking, allocating specific periods for different tasks like inspections, administrative work, and meetings, should be applied. This technique ensures that all tasks get the necessary attention without one aspect dominating the workday.

Investing in Personal Well-Being and Professional Development

Prioritizing well-being by regularly scheduling rest time is important. Property managers are often exposed to stressful situations and need to unwind by engaging in hobbies, exercising, or spending time with family and friends. This investment in personal well-being is crucial to maintaining the energy and focus needed for this demanding role.

It’s also important to stay connected with industry peers and seek out professional development opportunities. Networking with other property managers can provide support, fresh perspectives, and strategies for managing work-life balance.

Article originally published on page 41-42 of Gestion Immobilière magazine.

Éric Bernard has been a real estate talent hunter with Recrutement Performance since 2019. Passionate about culture and well-being in the workplace, he draws on more than 30 years as a commercial real estate professional in roles as manager, broker, lender and business development manager. He has extensive knowledge of the various trades in real estate and non-residential construction.