Grab your trainers, we’re making steps forward with wellbeing.
In February this year, TSB were proud to become a signatory of the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC). We were keen to commit to the Charter and participate in Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May 2024) with the ‘Walk and Talk’.
The MIMHC and Wellbeing Survey concluded that, “The mortgage industry is one of the most stressful to work in, simply because we help people during an emotionally charged time in their lives.”*
So, how does a ‘Walk and Talk’ help?
The benefits of swapping the office setting for ‘Walk and Talk’ meetings were immediately apparent. A simple daily walk can have significant health benefits. These include a sharper mind, quality sleep, more energy, better mood and improved physical health.
As a BDM, I spend my days with brokers, often in meetings talking about the daily stresses they face in our industry. When a broker invests their time with me, I want them to feel they get value from our meeting. This can be updates on TSB criteria and best practices, but it often starts with a simple ‘how are you?’. Brokers and office support staff often confide in BDMs as although we are removed from the situation, we often understand the challenges they face.
The world has changed. Working from home has become the norm for many. Technology has evolved to gift us the quick virtual call but at times, I question what value is really being added during busy times when one eye is on emails.
To offer an alternative to sitting at the desk feels like a great opportunity to support brokers’ wellbeing. There was little resistance to booking walking appointments in my diary. Local routes were planned with some scenic views of our Essex countryside, with a welcomed stop at a coffee shop when the opportunity arose. I shared our TSB updates on my phone and sent any documents post meeting. It worked. And for any wellbeing resources, the MIMHC website provides lots of great support and helplines to signpost if its needed. Resources - The Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (mimhc.co.uk).
Vic Owen, BDM for Sheffield and South Yorkshire at TSB shares her ‘walk and talk’ experience.
‘At first some of my brokers thought I’d lost my mind suggesting a ‘Walk and Talk’ meeting whilst they are so busy. But that was the exact same reason I thought of them. They have all since shared that they felt refreshed and ready to tackle anything. Being a broker can be a lonely job.
After a few days of sunshine, heavy rain didn’t deter the five broker meetings scheduled in Walk and Talk Week. I was astounded that no one backed out, they all turned up in kagouls and brollies in hand.
As their BDM, I also felt better that day. I felt proud, especially with the weather being a challenge. I managed to get all my jobs done as normal, but in a much better frame of mind. Although this was one week in May, I’ve continued to host walking meetings and would encourage everyone to give this a try.’
If you are interested in signing up to the Charter, please join us here and keep the mental health conversation going. Sign Up for the MIMHC - The Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter.
Alison Painter
Business Development Manager – TSB Mortgage Intermediaries