EDITOR’S COMMENT: If you don’t know the extent of a problem, how can you even begin to set about fixing it? This is not going to be a blanket tirade accusing the real estate sector of not being good enough. Or not trying hard enough to be better. Every business is different. Every individual is different. And while there is still a long way to go until the industry in its entirety properly addresses issues from diversity and inclusion to mental health, and from ESG to talent management, a universal chastising would be counter-productive.
That said, I hope there is a strong will across the industry to listen. To listen to stories that may be uncomfortable to hear to better understand other people’s experiences. Without this understanding, trying to address issues with any real gravitas or grounding in reality is likely to prove futile.
If the will to listen – and subsequently to act and to change – is there, that’s half the battle. But we have another problem to overcome first, and that is getting those stories aired in public for everyone to hear. Real estate gets a lot of flack, some of it well placed, some of it not. But the one thing that cannot be argued against is that you can’t understand what you don’t know.
For a long time now, I have heard tale after tale after tale of things that have happened within this sector that have made people feel discriminated against, lonely, isolated, depressed. Every time someone recounts an experience that has led to them feeling this way, I ask them to speak up, tell their story and help the industry to fully understand the extent of the issues constantly bubbling under the surface. Almost universally they say no. And who can blame them?
In an industry like real estate, where you so often rely on the people around you and the structure and hierarchy of the businesses you work within to progress your career, there is a real fear that speaking out could jeopardise your future. We know that fear is real as it is highlighted in every single one of our surveys. It is a big ask to rely on those who are already feeling bruised by the sector to not only put themselves out there but take on a hefty personal risk as they do so.
After a series of conversations with people who have stories to tell but who want to raise awareness without the risk of any unfair or misplaced repercussions, together we came up with the idea of Unheard Voices. In a new comment section in EG which launches this week, we have created a space for people to talk where they feel safe and protected by shrouding the truth in anonymity. It is not just an outlet for those with experiences to share; it should be the sector’s go-to page every month to prove that will to engage, to listen and to understand. A guide to be better.
Our first anonymous contributor recounts the story of an unwelcome love triangle. One which stemmed from the sort of job interview that no one should ever be subjected to – in any industry. A difficult story to tell remains a difficult story to tell, whether you reveal your name or not. For that, and for being our very brave debut columnist, thank you.
If anyone else would like to contribute to Unheard Voices, please contact me at emily.wright@eg.co.uk. It goes without saying that all contacts and correspondence will remain completely anonymous and confidential.
And to anyone reading this who isn’t convinced that they need to click through to find out more about this week’s Unheard Voice, I only have one thought to leave you with. If you don’t know the extent of a problem, how can you even begin to set about fixing it?
To send feedback, e-mail emily.wright@eg.co.uk or tweet @EmilyW_9 or @EGPropertyNews
