Fostering a Happy On-Site Team

A contented resident base often mirrors a contented staff. Since on-site teams are responsible for cultivating positive interactions, seamless communication, and a sense of community, well-trained and valued employees are essential.

Phillip Boatwright, Executive Vice President of Property Management at The NRP Group, explains, "It all starts with on-site teams. Forming a dedicated group committed to delivering exceptional service from day one is the foundation for nurturing quality relationships. Residents who recognize the presence of a reliable team to support their experience are more likely to feel connected not just to their homes, but also to the staff and fellow residents."

Camp echoes the sentiment, "Effective resident retention commences with a solid employee retention strategy. When our on-site teams lack motivation, engagement, and satisfaction, it's challenging for our residents to feel any different."

Camp emphasizes that coaching, training, and comprehensive onboarding empower on-site teams to take greater ownership of their communities, facilitating more positive interactions. He adds, "When both our residents and team members feel valued and appreciated, the outcomes are remarkable."

Prioritizing Communication

Effective communication, whether concerning maintenance updates, potential disruptions, or community events, is a linchpin for resident retention. A transparent flow of information about community occurrences can help preempt negative interactions.

Holli Beckman, Chief Marketing Officer at WC Smith, highlights the nuanced nature of communication, stating, "While saying 'communication is key' might sound simplistic, in the era of personalization, communication transcends conveying information. It entails understanding and accommodating each resident's preferred mode of receiving information."

Jonathan Bove, Executive Vice President of Acquisition and Management Services at Landmark Properties, underscores the need to adapt communication methods. He states, "While resident satisfaction is built on consistent and effective communication, the means through which residents communicate with us continually evolves. It's crucial to meet residents where they are, even if it entails transitioning to other communication channels like email or text to address a specific issue privately."

Implementing Routine Resident Surveys

Much like proactive communication, actively soliciting resident feedback through regular surveys empowers property managers to address concerns before they escalate.

Camp elaborates, "Actively seeking input and feedback from residents through surveys and engagement with our site teams helps us gain deeper insights into their needs and preferences. This knowledge enables us to enhance our communities and elevate the overall resident experience."

Landmark Properties has introduced its proprietary "You Speak, We Listen" platform, achieving over 98% resident satisfaction. Bove explains, "This platform is founded on routine resident surveys, incentivizing team members to address issues raised during these surveys, and effectively communicating the resultant improvements to the broader resident population."

Boatwright stresses the importance of remaining attuned to residents' evolving priorities, given the dynamic nature of communities. He notes, "Continually seeking to understand residents' changing interests is vital. What resonates with one community's residents may not necessarily be effective for another. Adapting to evolving preferences should be an ongoing effort."