Lender’s event series addresses stress and wellbeing among brokers
Mental health challenges among mortgage brokers are significant and rising, with long working hours, poor work-life balance, and market pressures identified as key contributors. A notable proportion of brokers report poor mental health, and support from employers is often lacking. While industry initiatives and peer support networks are beginning to address these issues, more systemic change is needed.
In response to these concerns, Pepper Money recently hosted a series of wellbeing events in London, dedicated to supporting brokers in managing stress and achieving a healthier work-life balance. The lender’s ‘Be More You’ Retreat series, which is set to more than triple its attendance this year compared to previous events, offers practical self-care sessions, expert-led workshops, and opportunities for brokers to openly discuss the challenges they face. The initiative aims to provide brokers with tools to address mental health issues that are often overlooked in the fast-paced mortgage industry.
Jane Benjamin, director of mortgages at Connect for Intermediaries, emphasised the significance of prioritising broker wellbeing. “This Retreat was an amazing opportunity to network with peers,” said Benjamin, who also represented the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC) at the Retreat.
“As a profession, we face so many pressures and challenges that it often feels like you are very alone, so it was fantastic to gather together with colleagues from the broker community. The event provided a welcoming space to share our personal stories, as well as practical, hands-on tips to combat stress and restore balance.
“It’s refreshing for a lender to put brokers’ mental health first, and I’m hoping the event will be a catalyst for people like me to achieve a better work-life balance.”
The London event featured a keynote by Emma Harris, chief executive officer at Glow, who discussed her journey and the founding of the Slow the F**k Down Movement, as well as a guided breathwork session led by coach Jessie Laute. Attendees also participated in an open Q&A on mental health challenges in the industry.
Martin Stewart, founder of London Money, also commented on the impact of the event. “Pepper Money’s Retreat was a breath of fresh air,” she said.
“It provided a welcome opportunity for property finance professionals to de-stress and put our own wellbeing first – all too rare in the fast-paced industry, where too many feel overstretched and burnt-out. Emma’s keynote was powerful and deeply resonant, and the day provided a fantastic range of practical, hands-on self-care tips. Hearing from experts about how to prioritise our own mental health and wellbeing was an eye-opening experience and will prove invaluable in equipping us for everything that comes our way as professionals.”
According to Paul Adams, sales director at Pepper Money, the Retreat series was established to address the unique pressures faced by brokers and to offer practical support.
“We’ll be showcasing Jessie and Emma’s expertise and advice to more brokers as part of upcoming episodes of our podcast hosted by Rob Barnardr,” he said. “Our plans for the next phase of this popular series include a range of new events designed to reach even greater numbers of brokers and help them to prioritise their own personal wellbeing and mental health alongside their career.”
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