Over the last 14 months, the multifamily industry has transformed. Teams have implemented new practices, adopted stricter cleaning standards, and embraced next-level expectations. These changes were necessary, but they also increased the pressure to keep properties and residents safe, adding more responsibility to the essential staff who manage day-to-day operations.
Maintenance teams sit at the heart of every property. They shoulder the heaviest weight of the pandemic as they care for the systems and aesthetics of each community. They handle leaks, repairs, and wear and tear—and, most importantly, they keep residents satisfied with their living conditions.
Maintenance work demands strength and resilience. One of the greatest challenges lies in improving productivity and performance. The question becomes: How to Increase Your Maintenance Staff’s Performance when the issue has existed long before the pandemic? Fortunately, the solutions may not be as complicated as they appear.
Streamlining Procedures
CRM technology is an excellent solution for streamlining your operations, offering endless benefits. Just imagine being able to customize workflows, easily managing your team and their day-to-day tasks. And the best part? This can be done through a contactless approach. From a maintenance standpoint, tracking work orders has never been easier.
Additionally, reworking your mobile communications will save time and vastly increase efficiency. Having access to scheduled tasks will help your maintenance team stay on track. They will also have the ability to easily enter notes and submit further requests as needed. Preventative maintenance reminders can also be added, cutting down on both costs and emergency calls.
Offer Schedule Flexibility
The work environment is one difficulty essential workers have experienced during the pandemic. As others have moved into more flexible and even remote positions, the maintenance staff has not had the same benefit. Studies have shown positive changes in employee morale as the work-life balance has shifted. While remote work isn’t an option for some, flexible benefits can be experienced by all employees.
As mentioned earlier, utilizing new technology-adapted procedures can help tremendously. Giving your maintenance staff a clearer picture of what their day looks like goes a long way. Experienced staff already know how long a given task should take them. Because of this, allowing them the flexibility to schedule their day can make a world of difference. Some employees may prefer starting earlier in the day, focusing on HVAC preventive maintenance. Others may prefer taking a later shift to help cover resident requests. The key is to communicate their needs while balancing what tasks need attention.
Active Listening
No one knows what improvements can be made better than those who are doing the work. Keep an open-door policy to any suggestions or ideas your employees have to offer. Listen to their concerns. Talk about what may not be working and why. Include your maintenance in the decision-making process. Having a voice and the ability to take part in future changes and improvements will open the door to higher performance going forward.
Positive Reinforcement
Mental health has been a hot topic as the world has turned upside down. In this new world, negativity and fear are seen on every corner. You can counteract this by being sure to offer positive feedback for what your team is doing right. Consider offering a reward system for individuals with the highest resident satisfaction. You could even involve the whole team, offering rewards when work orders do not fall behind. Get creative, and do your best to create the most uplifting environment possible. After all, these are the men and women who have the most impact on your communities.
Conclusion
Your maintenance staff plays a critical role in the success of your multifamily community. When you take the time to evaluate performance and productivity, you set your business up for long-term success. Clear communication and well-defined procedures will guide your team through these new times and ultimately show you how to increase your maintenance staff’s performance.
Finding the right fit, however, can still be a challenge—even when you implement the right tactics. Hire Priority understands these struggles and helps reduce the stress of your hiring process. We focus on connecting you with the right team members who can grow with your community and build long-term success.
Want to learn more? Contact us today!