For his dedication to promote work-life balance in his team, Francois Spagnol, managing partner at Alliance Santa Venera branch, has been awarded the prestigious National Worker of the Year 2022 Award (Premju Nazzjonali Ħaddiema tas-Sena 2022).
Held under the patronage of the President of Malta, H.E. Dr. George Vella, The National Worker of the Year Award is an annual event organised by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Social Dialogue to recognise the dedication and diligence of workers. Speaking at the awards ceremony, President Vella thanked all workers for their sacrifices during the pandemic and encouraged employers to continue using electronic systems for remote working even now that restrictions are a thing of the past.
Work-life balance is an important consideration for any individual, but it can be especially challenging for professional estate agents who are self-employed entrepreneurs, generating their income from their own successfully closed deals. Whilst working in real estate allows for very flexible working conditions, the industry is fast-paced and demanding, and agents often work long hours and weekends in order to service their clients well. This can leave little time for personal and family obligations, leading to feelings of stress and burnout.
Alliance Real Estate has clearly identified this as an important aspect and for the benefit of its 200+ people, the company has set up specific structures to support its agents with top quality training, management support and mentoring, together with a variety of freely accessible tools to facilitate remote working and promote a better work-life balance.
Francois thanked his team for their relentless work and dedication and for putting in his nomination for the award in the first place, “I am truly humbled to receive this prestigious national award. I’m deeply grateful to my team at Alliance Santa Venera for putting in the nomination and for their ongoing support every single day. Together we are more than a team, we are family”, he concluded.
Tips for better work-life balance for estate agents
One way that individual estate agents can improve their work-life balance is by setting clear boundaries and priorities. This can involve setting aside specific times for work and personal activities, and learning to say no to unreasonable requests. It can also be helpful to delegate tasks and responsibilities to others, when possible, in order to free up time for other activities.
Another important aspect of work-life balance for real estate agents is finding ways to manage stress and maintain a healthy work environment. This can involve taking breaks and engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as exercising or spending time outdoors. It can also be helpful to seek support from friends, family, and colleagues, and to seek help from a professional if necessary.
Overall, work-life balance is a critical issue for any worker, and finding ways to effectively manage the demands of the job can have significant benefits for both personal and professional well-being. By setting clear boundaries, prioritizing activities, and finding ways to manage stress, agents can achieve a healthy balance between their work and personal lives.
