The Intermediary –- May 2026 - Flipbook - Page 88
B RO K E R B U S I N E S S
Opinion
The goal of
better workplace
mental health
M
ortgage advisers
are oen the
steady hand at
the centre of life’s
most challenging
moments –
bereavement, divorce, illness, major
financial changes. This demands
technical expertise, compassion, and
resilience in equal measure.
A volatile economic backdrop,
rising living costs and a heavier
workload have all contributed to
higher stress levels, and advisers are
working harder than ever.
The result is an industry where
resilience is essential, but not always
sustainable.
The 2025 MIMHC survey
According to the 2025 Mortgage
Industry Mental Health Charter
(MIMHC) survey, around 70% of
firms now participate in wellbeing
initiatives, and professional
satisfaction levels improved since
2024. Work-life balance is stabilising,
with around a third reporting
improvement. However, 22% of
professionals still say their mental
health is poor or a cause for concern.
Flexibility alone cannot solve the
industry’s wellbeing challenge. As the
newly established MIMHC Foundation
looks ahead to 2026, its mission
focuses on embedding wellbeing into
the very fabric of the industry. Its goals
include promoting healthier working
hours, equipping leaders to spot early
signs of distress, and helping firms
move from awareness to practical,
measurable action.
The MIMHC’s latest paper
reinforces the value of creating
healthier working environments
that actively support both mental
and physical wellbeing. Open
communication and clear access to
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The Intermediary | May 2026
support services are central to this.
Encouraging regular breaks, flexible
working and nurturing a culture that
values work-life balance also all play
a role in helping professionals sustain
their wellness and performance.
Taking care of people
At Bank of Ireland, aention to
wellbeing is integral. For customers,
our commitment to financial
inclusion ensures lending decisions
are made with empathy and fairness.
For colleagues, wellbeing is prioritised
through structured support, open
dialogue and accessible resources.
We have taken a proactive approach
to colleague wellbeing through a
dedicated network of ‘Wellbeing
Advocates’ who promote engagement
in health and wellness programmes
across the organisation. They help
drive awareness through team
meetings and communications,
sharing information on mental,
physical and social wellbeing. This
creates a culture of care that feels
approachable and inclusive.
We are also a signatory to the
MIMHC, reinforcing its commitment
to open dialogue, positive working
conditions and strong people
management practices. As part of this
pledge, the bank regularly monitors
colleague wellbeing and encourages
manager check-ins to ensure
colleagues feel supported and valued.
Support in practice
A comprehensive range of initiatives
is available to colleagues, including a
digital wellbeing app, and an employee
assistance programme. We have a
dedicated community of more than
300 trained mental health first-aiders
providing peer support, along with
physical wellbeing initiatives such as
colleague step challenges and the Cycle
RHYS POWELL
is interim head of distribution
at Bank of Ireland for
Intermediaries
to Work scheme, among other
exercise choices.
The ‘Power Down and Recharge’
initiative encourages effective
management of working hours,
while ‘Give Together Days’ allow
time to contribute to community
projects. Flexible and hybrid working
arrangements also support work-life
balance. Planned social events and
shared activities further strengthen
connection and belonging.
It’s good to talk
The bank’s commitment to
normalising conversations about
mental health is reinforced through
its partnership with the Elephant in
the Room Movement and its network
of mental health first-aiders. This
community continues to work
towards reducing stigma, encouraging
openness and fostering a culture
where every colleague feels safe
and supported.
Pressure will always be part of
the financial services industry, but
the way we respond determines
how sustainable our success will be.
Embedding wellbeing is ethically
solid and essential to long-term
performance. A workforce that feels
supported, connected and valued is
beer equipped to deliver high-quality
advice and maintain client trust, even
during challenging times.
Looking aer people ought to be
a common goal, not just for clientfacing advisers but for the industry. As
the MIMHC continues its vital work,
its clear goal is to build an industry
that values wellbeing as much as
success. When advisers are supported
to thrive, everyone benefits. ●
