Workload and funding pressures have ‘major impact’ on Welsh professionals’ mental health, CIH survey finds

But this year’s survey, which was carried out between November and December 2025, saw a rise in the proportion of respondents calling for the Welsh government to “listen to the sector”, with 28% listing this as their top priority, compared with 21% in previous years.

CIH Cymru said the survey showed that respondents want the government to listen more, “especially when it comes to policy or legislative changes which feel like a top-down approach rather than a collaboration”.

The sector body also highlighted the “negative impact this is having on individuals and the wider housing workforce in Wales”.

One respondent said: “More and more legislation, even for good reason, creates more and more obligations and stress on existing staff who are already spread thinly and struggling to keep up with existing workloads and the need to satisfy all the other statutory compliance expectations.”

Two-thirds of respondents said they work in the housing sector to make a difference and provide support to their communities and residents, while others cited tackling homelessness, developing homes and working in a role with a social value.

The main housing priority among respondents was housing support (25%), while an increased supply of homes came in at second (21%).

CIH Cymru said: “This is a change to previous years where an increased supply of homes was consistently the top priority for respondents. 

“It is likely that this is reflective of the increased levels of homelessness and housing support needs being seen by our members coupled with changes proposed to support provision in the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocations (Wales) Bill.”

Matt Dicks, national director of CIH Cymru, said: “It is encouraging to see that the majority of respondents to our survey are motivated to work in housing as they want to help people, make a difference and have a positive impact. 

“Yet it is also concerning that the continuing trend from respondents is that their mental health and well-being is getting worse due to the pressures the sector is facing from high workloads and a lack of funding. 

“This is why one of our key asks in our 2026 manifesto, A plan for housing in Wales, is for the next Welsh government to commit to a professional and resilient workforce in Wales.

“Housing, in line with other key professions, should be seen as a key pillar to the delivery of public services in Wales. 

“This must include the development of a workforce strategy for housing professionals in Wales aimed at supporting the communities we serve and ensuring an equitable housing system where everyone has the legislative right to a safe, suitable and affordable home.”

In response to the survey results, Jayne Bryant, cabinet secretary for housing and local government, said: "We recognise the dedication and commitment of everyone working in housing across Wales, and we are acutely aware of the very real pressures the sector has faced in recent years.

“Whenever I meet with housing professionals in Wales, I am struck by their dedication and passion to help people, and it is encouraging to see this reflected in the 67 per cent of respondents who say they entered the sector to make a difference. That commitment is at the heart of everything the housing sector does, and it deserves to be genuinely acknowledged and valued."

"The Welsh Government is in regular contact with sector partners and genuinely value the expertise and insight they bring. Housing professionals are not just implementing policy - they are shaping it, and their experience is invaluable and helps ensure decisions work for the communities we all serve," Ms Bryant added.