When you hear the term “block management,” your first thought might be service charges, maintenance schedules, or building regulations. And while those things matter, they only scratch the surface of what really goes on in the day-to-day lives of property managers and the communities they serve.
Through Beyond Four Walls, I wanted to explore the topics we don’t talk about enough, the ones that shape careers, impact wellbeing, and determine whether people choose to stay in this industry or leave it behind.
It’s time to open up those conversations.
The Hidden Pressures of the Job
Behind every well run building is a property manager juggling an incredible number of responsibilities, from firefighting emergencies and managing difficult clients to handling legal compliance and negotiating with contractors. But the emotional load of this role often goes unacknowledged.
In one of our early episodes, we talked about burnout and the message was clear: it’s rife in our industry. Many property managers are lone workers, often working under immense pressure, and with limited support. These conditions create the perfect storm for stress, anxiety, and eventual disengagement.
Yet, how often are these issues acknowledged in formal settings? Not often enough.
Abuse Isn’t Part of the Job
Another vital and rarely addressed topic is abuse. Many professionals in this industry regularly face aggression from leaseholders or residents. It can range from hostile emails to verbal abuse and even threats.
In our recent roundtable we gathered voices from across the sector to discuss their experiences with abusive behaviour. What came through was clear – this isn’t a few isolated cases. It’s systemic, and it’s driving good people away from the industry.
We must make it clear that abuse isn’t part of the job and it’s certainly not acceptable.
Inclusivity and Belonging
As with many sectors, block management has work to do when it comes to diversity and inclusion. Whether it’s gender bias, lack of representation in leadership, or accessibility issues, these factors shape how people experience the workplace.
On Beyond Four Walls, we’ve spoken to women navigating leadership in a male-dominated field, parents balancing work with family life, and individuals advocating for more inclusive hiring practices. These are the conversations that plant seeds of change and ensure everyone in the industry feels seen and heard.
What Happens When We Start Talking?
The power of this podcast lies not just in the stories told, but in what happens after and the private messages from listeners saying, “This resonated with me,” or “I didn’t know anyone else felt that way.”
When we normalise these conversations, we reduce isolation. We give people the confidence to speak up. We shift industry culture, one story at a time.
We’ve had 66 episodes so far, with thousands of downloads and streams. But it’s not the numbers that matter most, it’s the connections. The community forming around the podcast is proof that we want to talk, we need to talk and we just needed a space to do it.
Final Thoughts
Block management isn’t just about service levels, it’s about people. And people bring with them all the complexity, emotion, and potential that no spreadsheet can measure.
At Beyond Four Walls, we’re not afraid to talk about the messy stuff. Because that’s where the change begins.
If you’re ready to join the conversation, subscribe and be part of a growing community that’s committed to making this industry more compassionate, more supportive, and more sustainable.
Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.