One of the key themes that was frequently mentioned during the most recent Apartmentalize, was centralization and how multifamily operators can harness it to increase employee satisfaction. A property manager’s main focus is on resident satisfaction, potentially overlooking the needs of their employees. Centralization now offers a solution to address this imbalance effectively.
It’s no secret that many see centralization as a way of mitigating staff shortages, and while understandably that’s a concern, it can actually be beneficial for employees.
What is centralization?
Centralization as a business process involves multifamily property managers and their employees consolidating all work bases to one centralized location through technology solutions. This enables remote management of properties, while still providing property managers with access to their units if needed due to the ideal centralized location. By centralizing core processes, managers and operators can improve operational efficiencies and eliminate duplication across locations.
For residents, centralization streamlines maintenance requests and schedules through automated processes and alerts. This allows maintenance workers to efficiently plan their tasks, minimizing interruptions for the residents. Prospective residents can also benefit by being able to conveniently book self-guided tours making it easy to schedule tours and cancel if needed without requiring the property manager’s onsite presence, thanks to centralized technology solutions.
Amidst the fierce competition for job roles in the multifamily sector, centralization may seem to many like another hurdle to overcome, with many people fearing that it could lead to company downsizing. However, this is not always the case, and there are many benefits from the process, particularly when it comes to employee satisfaction. So how can centralization also be good for teams?
5 ways multifamily technology can increase employee satisfaction
Allows more time to learn new skills
Centralization technology is now a vital component of multifamily property management. Despite misconceptions that it eliminates jobs, employees who embrace this technology can automate routine tasks, freeing up time for hands-on roles they enjoy and can specialize in, such as community management and relationship building.
Provides opportunities for professional development and growth
With multifamily centralized technology comes a need for training to ensure that employees can make the most out of their solutions. Training offers opportunities for skill enhancement and staying current with industry advancements. Training opportunities ultimately improve job performance and foster personal and professional growth, which can positively impact job satisfaction.
Increases efficiency
While centralization certainly saves time, it also increases efficiency by enabling tech solutions to perform system health checks and notify employees of required repairs through predictive maintenance. Modern smart HVAC systems and smart water management solutions will have the function of running frequent health checks and identifying anomalies. This means that properties and their solutions won’t be over or under-maintained, and work will only be done when needed, eliminating unnecessary complexities for maintenance workers, and leading to increased job satisfaction.
Data is here to help
Technology solutions collect and analyze large amounts of data such as property performance, occupancy rates, and system health checks. Property managers can leverage these insights for informed decision-making, identifying areas for improvement, and assessing business efficiency. Employees benefit from clear goals and a sense of achievement as they see the positive outcomes of their efforts in real-time.
Improved Work-Life Balance
Property managers can address issues and handle tasks from anywhere, reducing the need for constant on-site presence, thanks to technology. This flexibility can lead to a better work-life balance and increased job satisfaction among multifamily employees by being able to do tasks remotely, sometimes from within their own homes.
To find out about another solution that can make your employees’ lives easier, read about our new smart video doorbell solution.
