Imagine losing $4,000 every time a resident walks away - not because of a bad view or noisy neighbors, but because you missed the mark on what they actually want.
While properties are busy photoshopping glamour shots of unused poolside cabanas, residents are silently plotting their escape.
Here's the truth: 75% of multifamily property managers feel renter expectations have increased. Yet, many still completely misread the room. And with rising inflation pushing cost-conscious residents to scrutinize every expense, traditional multifamily amenities like game rooms and golf simulators sit empty while practical, tech-enabled solutions deliver daily value.
Forget flashy. Forget fancy. Resident retention is about frictionless, intelligent, life-enhancing services that look good and work brilliantly.
Apartments are no longer simply havens for sleeping, eating and binge-watching your favorite shows .They're command centers. They're business hubs. They’re makeshift workstations.
Over one-third (35%) of U.S. workers who can work remotely are doing so, choosing to ditch traditional offices altogether and join Zoom calls in business tops and pajama bottoms. Tamina Sheikh, President of Property Management at PCP, says 20-30% of residents work from home on any given day. That's a massive shift in how your property functions.
These folks are no longer asking for permission. They're demanding solutions that match their new reality. When 82% of residents consider printing an “essential” amenity, that lobby waterfall starts looking pretty useless. And with coffee consumption hitting a 20-year high — up 40% since 2004 — residents want more than a dusty drip maker in the corner.
Savvy multifamily owners and managers are catching on. They’re designating spaces specifically for tech-enabled amenities during the design phase, recognizing that modern multifamily properties need infrastructure that supports remote work. Because here's what your work-from-home residents won't tell you: They're silently comparing your amenities to their old office perks. And if you're not measuring up? Well, there's always that property down the street.
The Washington Post sounded the alarm in 2023: Most third-party printing services treat your residents' confidential documents like social feeds - reading, storing and sometimes selling the juicy details. Tax returns, bank statements, medical records - all fair game. That ancient printer in your leasing office? It's a liability nightmare waiting to happen.
For managers of multifamily properties, PrintWithMe offers an easy-to-use solution. We're talking about high-speed, high-quality printing accessible from any device. No software to install. No drivers to update. No IT degree required. Just hassle-free printing without all the drama.
But PrintWithMe isn't just another printer in your lobby. This is security meets resident convenience. Every print job gets encrypted the moment it's sent. Documents stay locked down until residents physically show up to collect them. Then? Nuclear deletion. No lingering files, no data breaches, no 3 a.m. panic calls about exposed social security numbers.
"When you combine the positive resident impact with the cost savings for our properties and the reduced liability from our on-site teams who may have been helping residents by printing their private documents, it is simply a no-brainer," says LuAnne Acton Ross, Partner and Executive Vice President at Asset Living. Especially when you consider how quickly individual printing requests pile up across a large property portfolio.
The best part? This centralized solution practically runs itself. Automated supply reordering means no more emergency paper runs. Remote monitoring catches issues before residents do. And with 99%+ uptime, your staff has more time to focus on what matters most instead of playing printer tech support. This all leads to a consistently exceptional experience for residents.
Nearly three in four Americans (73%) drink coffee every day, per the 2024 Coffee Statistics: Consumption, Preferences, & Spending Report - and they're proving it with their wallets. Twenty-eight percent of people surveyed spend $21 to $40 on coffee at shops each month; another 14% spend over $40.
Unlike unreliable DIY setups with consumer-grade Keurigs, SipWithMe spices up the resident experience with barista-quality beverages in under 60 seconds.
But this isn't just another coffee machine. The machines feature sleek, modern designs that transform dead spaces into social hubs. "Our residents love the SipWithMe coffee and machine. I have received multiple compliments on the variety of brews they can select from, how the machine is easy to use, and the flavor of the coffee," says Sherry Haney, Senior Property Manager at Security Properties.
The numbers speak volumes: 33% of residents save at least $20 monthly compared to café visits, while one in five saves 15-plus minutes per coffee break, according to a recent WithMe, Inc. survey. In student housing properties and luxury multifamily communities alike, that's the kind of practical value that drives retention.
Plus, property managers love the Cup Allowance technology, which controls costs while keeping the coffee flowing. No budget surprises. No supply headaches. Just automated monitoring, remote maintenance and 24/7 support — all while delivering up to 60% operational expense savings compared to a traditional coffee service.
Modern residents don't need meditation rooms or infinity pools. They need practical solutions that power their daily lives.
While other properties chase trends, give residents what they really need: secure printing that protects their data and premium coffee that fuels their day. All without adding to your team's workload.Ready to improve your resident retention numbers? Let's talk about making your property the one residents never want to leave.
This e-book, inspired by a webinar co-hosted by WithMe and Flamingo, delves into the art of creating impactful resident events.
From emerging trends to mastering the design process from start to finish, learn how to elevate your planning skills and create resident events that will leave a lasting impact on your community.
Here's what's covered:
There’s something special about shared spaces that bring people together, especially when those spaces offer more than just a place to sit.
In today’s world, where remote and hybrid work has become the norm, these hubs in apartment communities need to do more than look pretty—they need to function as versatile, work-friendly environments.
Earlier this year, Multifamily Executive reported that flexible coworking spaces and on-site cafes were at the top of multifamily renters’ wish lists. With over one-third of U.S. workers now working remotely full-time, according to USA Today, apartment communities are rethinking how they design common areas.
It’s not just about giving residents a desk in a quiet corner anymore; they want comfortable, tech-enabled spaces that make their workday easier and more enjoyable. Tamina Sheikh, former Senior Regional Property Manager at Willow Bridge Property Company, captured this perfectly in a recent webinar, noting that on any given day, "it’s about 20-30% of the property that is working from home."
So, how do property managers keep this growing segment of residents happy? By creating shared spaces that offer both productivity and a sense of community.
Today’s residents expect more than free Wi-Fi and a coffee table. They want well-thought-out shared spaces that include high-speed internet, seamless reservation systems, and amenities that actually enhance their work-from-home experience. This might sound like a tall order, but integrating these elements into shared spaces doesn't just benefit remote workers—it boosts resident satisfaction and retention, too.
Take PrintWithMe, for example. This seamless apartment printing solution fits perfectly into these coworking environments. Whether it’s for work-related documents or personal use, residents no longer need to clutter their apartments with bulky printers. Lindo Mayo, Property Manager at The Bottling Plant, shares that having PrintWithMe in common areas gives residents a "convenient alternative to having a printer set up in their apartment."
Plus, PrintWithMe’s ability to connect to any electronic device cuts out the usual headaches associated with traditional printers. No more troubleshooting or maintaining machines—just a quick, reliable print service that property managers don’t have to worry about.
And, of course, what’s a productive workday without coffee? That’s where SipWithMe steps in, offering residents barista-quality coffee without ever leaving the building. Within 60 seconds, SipWithMe can serve more than 20 different beverages, providing residents with the perfect pick-me-up to fuel their workday. With its easy-to-use technology and craft-roasted coffee, this resident coffee amenity ensures everyone has access to their favorite drinks without ever leaving the property.
Sherry Haney, Senior Property Manager at Security Properties Residential, said she has “received multiple compliments on the variety of brews they can select from, how easy the machine is to use, and the flavor of the coffee.” SipWithMe is a shared amenity that not only provides residents with the fuel needed to carry out their days but also helps build community and encourages residents to have organic interactions with one another.
PrintWithMe and SipWithMe aren't just crowd-pleasers for residents—they're game changers for property managers, too. In the fast-paced world of property management, where balancing day-to-day operations and building relationships with residents is key, managers need solutions that simplify their workload. Thankfully, these hands-free, hassle-free printing and coffee amenities do just that, helping save time, reduce operational headaches and effortlessly cut costs.
In today’s competitive multifamily market, offering amenities that cater to work-from-home residents is a must. With solutions like PrintWithMe and SipWithMe, property managers can elevate their shared spaces while reducing operational headaches. Easy installation, minimal upkeep, and a boost in resident satisfaction—all with one smart investment.
For more information on how PrintWithMe and SipWithMe can transform your property’s common spaces, contact us today.
Executing resident events is the most common strategy that apartment communities use to build a sense of community.
WithMe’s “4 Ways to Plan Impactful Resident Events” webinar, co-hosted with Flamingo, brought together a group of the industry’s foremost event experts to delve into the art of creating impactful resident events.
Moderators Becky McLaughlin (vice president of marketing at WithMe) and Jude Chiy (founder of Flamingo), alongside powerhouse panelists Shellie Greer (director of Ovation lifestyle at Ovation Property Management) and Brooke Sandella (manager of national events and community engagement at Equity Residential), shared insightful perspective on the current state of resident events and offered compelling strategies for curating memorable and meaningful experiences.
Here are four key takeaways from the dynamic discussion that took place.
1. Think outside the box if you have a modest event budget.
Every year, Flamingo conducts exhaustive research for its State of Resident Events Report. This pioneering report sheds light on virtually every aspect of multifamily events, from the primary challenges property managers are facing to the types of events that are most popular. It also provides valuable benchmarks for the multifamily industry, drawing insights from hundreds of apartment communities across the United States.
According to Flamingo’s latest report, an overwhelming 35% of property managers cite budget constraints as the biggest obstacle to hosting events they believe would be valuable for their residents.
Working with a modest budget can be challenging, but there are numerous creative hacks that can be used to maximize and supplement event budgets:
If you have a set budget for an event, calculate the maximum number of residents you can accommodate within that budget and cap attendance accordingly. To give all of your residents an equal opportunity to attend, employ a first-come, first-serve RSVP policy and set up a waitlist. That way, if someone decides to cancel, another resident can take their spot.
If you have a limited event budget for the year, with only a few hundred dollars allocated per month, focus on quality over quantity. Instead of hosting a low-budget event each month, invest in one high-quality event each quarter. This approach will ultimately have a greater impact and provide more value to your residents.
Consider introducing a nominal lifestyle fee, which can supplement your budget and give you the opportunity to curate a wider range of events that target everybody’s interests and needs.
If there’s an event you want to host that’s outside your budget, have your residents pay a discounted rate and underwrite the remaining cost.
This approach has the benefit of increasing attendance and engagement, because when residents are paying to attend an event, they are usually more likely to show up.
Amenities and amenity spaces can serve as the foundation for outstanding budget-friendly events. For instance, if you have a printer amenity, print out blank coloring pages and host a coloring party that’s fun for all ages. Leverage a coffee amenity by hosting a tasting event or happy hour.
As an added bonus, you’ll remind residents about the incredible amenities your community has to offer and help drive utilization.
2. Research proves that events increase positive online reviews and increase overall resident satisfaction.
The time and expense associated with resident events often deters property managers and property management companies from investing in them. Thanks to Flamingo’s research, there’s now data to prove that events increase the volume of online reviews and overall resident satisfaction - both essential to attracting new residents and retaining existing ones.
Approximately 55% of participating property managers reported that events lead to new online reviews for their properties within three days. Building on this self-reported data, Flamingo conducted an in-depth analysis of online review scores, revealing a direct correlation between event budgets and review scores. Properties with the top 10% highest review scores allocate, on average, $1,121 per month for events, while those with the lowest scores allocate only $693 per month.
A deeper analysis of resident satisfaction data uncovered a strong correlation between overall resident satisfaction and the number or quality of events. Researchers combed through internal resident reviews and surveys, discovering that when the presence of events was mentioned, 89% of the time it was in a positive review. Conversely, in 87% of cases where a resident mentioned the lack of events, that resident was either neutral, unhappy, or very unhappy.
Events also have a significant impact on intent to renew. In 82% of instances where a resident mentioned the presence of events, they reported their likelihood of renewing as “yes” or “probably.” Conversely, in an astounding 100% of the cases where a resident called out a lack of events, their reported likelihood of renewing was rated “no” or “probably not.”
These findings underscore the importance of investing in resident events. Not only do they boost online reviews and satisfaction, but they also significantly influence residents' decisions to renew their leases. By prioritizing events, property managers can create a vibrant community atmosphere that attracts new residents and retains current ones, ultimately driving long-term success.
3. Experiential events are trending.
Flamingo’s research reveals that happy hours, pool parties and outdoor movie nights are currently the most popular resident events. However, you heard it here first - the next big trend is experiential events. Property managers have noticed a significant rise in resident demand for creative workshops and classes. Examples include:
These educational and creative events inherently bring together niche groups of people with similar interests, sparking genuine connection and friendship.
4. Let your unique resident community dictate your event mix.
Ultimately, regardless of your budget or current trends, the key to executing impactful resident events lies in understanding your residents and their unique interests.
Begin by analyzing basic demographics. Does your community include a large number of children and young families? Are your residents mainly young professionals? Take it a step further by engaging in conversations with your residents. Be intentional about discovering their likes, interests and preferences.
Once you've gotten to know your residents and their preferences, step outside your comfort zone and don't be afraid to experiment. It's okay if an event doesn't attract a large turnout; this simply means that particular event type doesn't resonate with your community. Experimentation is beneficial, as it helps you discover what truly works and allows you to refine your future events for maximum engagement.
For more expert insight on planning and executing resident events that will have a lasting impact on your community, watch the full webinar:
Imagine uncovering one of the secrets behind the success of 80% of the National Multifamily Housing Council's (NMHC) 50 Largest Apartment Managers.
You might think it's a groundbreaking investment strategy, a renowned architect or even a revolutionary approach to achieving operational excellence.
But instead, the real game-changer is something much more human-centric - a commitment to elevating the resident experience by transforming routine tasks into exceptional experiences.
How? With a little help from WithMe’s innovative self-serve printing and coffee amenities, PrintWithMe and SipWithMe.
Modern residents demand modern amenities. But they also value convenience, quality and community.
Many multifamily owners and operators have become so caught up in the trends that they have forgotten about the simple things that really make a difference.
Instead of sending their residents on an expensive goose chase to print, top PMCs empower their residents to conveniently and securely print their own documents, whenever and wherever it’s necessary.
Instead of throwing a Keurig in the clubhouse to collect dust (and mold), top PMCs understand the value of brewing contentment and community with barista-quality coffee.
By going back to basics, 80% of the NMHC Top 50 Managers are demonstrating a unique understanding of the simple things that make a big difference when it matters most.
Believe it or not, community printers are now all the rage in multifamily. With nods in The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, forward-thinking property management professionals have turned their attention to this small amenity that is making a major impact on operational efficiencies, cost savings and resident satisfaction.
Think about it. From legal documents to shipping labels, everyone needs to print. But no one owns a printer. Printing has become something that no one thinks about until it’s causing a crisis.
Though it’s certainly not multifamily’s most glamorous amenity, it’s not surprising 82% of residents label PrintWithMe “essential.”
Completely wireless, PrintWithMe empowers residents to quickly and securely print from any electronic device - anytime, anywhere. Print jobs can be started by uploading documents to PrintWithMe’s website, sending them to a printer’s unique email address or using the PrintWithMe iOS app.
Self-serve printer stations aren’t just a convenient service for residents. They also significantly increase the operational efficiency of on-site teams by eliminating disruptive print requests and time-consuming troubleshooting. PrintWithMe even auto-ships paper and toner, effectively creating a hands-off amenity.
Skeptical that residents are actually using a community printer? Discover the utilization and impact at three of the top ten management companies!
Apartment Management Consultants
Apartment Management Consultants leverages PrintWithMe to ensure a high-level of resident satisfaction and well-being. The service boasts an impressive 148% unit utilization rate, with 3,000 users printing half a million pages.
Asset Living
Not surprisingly, printing is an especially attractive amenity for college students. Asset Living properties across the country rely on PrintWithMe to help them achieve their mission to foster community and drive a positive impact.
Aspen Syracuse, in particular, has benefited significantly from PrintWithMe, achieving a 263% unit utilization rate. Residents have printed over 113,279 pages - and counting! The reliable and convenient amenity meets a specific need of students, enhancing their satisfaction and positioning Aspen Syracuse as a top choice for Syracuse University students.
Community Manager Jason Borges praises PrintWithMe’s seamless operation and exceptional customer service, which have saved his team time and reduced disruptions. He wholeheartedly endorses PrintWithMe and says he would “definitely recommend it to other properties.”
FPI Management
PrintWithMe has helped more than 2,000 FPI Management residents securely print over 31,000 pages, and 100% of surveyed FPI partners recommend the solution.
To experience the power of positive printing in your community, click here.
Coffee isn’t just for wake-up calls. It’s a tool for building stronger communities, enhancing positive connections and boosting lease renewals.
When high-quality coffee stations are strategically placed in common areas, they naturally become social hubs where residents can connect and engage with one another.
And what happens when residents build strong relationships in their building and have access to amenities they truly value?
They’re more likely to renew their leases.
Featuring freshly roasted coffee from top craft roasters and more than 20 different barista-quality beverages (including hot chocolate), SipWithMe delivers more than a simple caffeine fix. The drinks are something to be savored, worthy of being the complement to conversation or the foundation of a buzz-worthy resident event.
The benefits extend to property management teams by eliminating the skyrocketing and uncontrollable costs that plague most coffee amenity solutions. SipWithMe’s proprietary Cup Allowance technology empowers property managers to control how much coffee each resident drinks. Flexible packages offer options ranging from a few cups a month to unlimited usage. When paired with all-inclusive pricing, budgeting is a breeze.
SipWithMe’s unmatched blend of top-tier quality and cost-efficiency is exactly why the top property management company in the country, Greystar, depends on WithMe for coffee (and printing) services.
Greystar
Greystar works diligently to enrich the lives they touch by doing things the right way, which is why more than 500 Greystar communities trust WithMe to consistently deliver exceptional printing and coffee services to their residents.
At The Standard, an Elite 1% ORA community in Scottsdale, SipWithMe has become a standout feature, earning high praise from residents. One even noted, "The pool and free coffee are the best parts." Since installation, residents have consistently dispensed at least 40 beverages a day - at a 10/10 satisfaction rating.
SipWithMe has also transformed the resident experience and operational efficiency at The Fitzgerald, a Greystar property in Denver. SipWithMe’s high-tech features and craft roasted coffee have boosted resident satisfaction and retention, making it a key highlight during property tours. The amenity boasts 275 unique users and a 98% unit utilization rate.
To bring the coffee shop experience (without the coffee shop price tag) to your community, click here.
As the cost of living continues to rise, the appeal of convenient and practical solutions like self-serve coffee and printing stations has never been greater. Recognizing this, many property owners and operators are focusing on reliable, high-quality services that meet everyday needs.
To simplify vendor management and ensure consistent, top-tier service, properties are turning to WithMe to deliver both their coffee and printing solutions. Four of the country’s largest PMCs have discovered that PrintWithMe and SipWithMe are even better together - and here’s how it’s going!
Willow Bridge Property Company
Willow Bridge Property Company relies on both PrintWithMe and SipWithMe to help them deliver impeccable service, give residents the resources they need to thrive and feel empowered, and create places people want to call home.
Since establishing a national partnership, PrintWithMe has empowered 44,000+ residents to print 345,000+ print jobs and more than 2 million pages. That’s nearly 1,000 pages a day!
BH Management
BH Management is on a mission to create spaces where people live and thrive - and they’re doing it with the help of both PrintWithMe and SipWithMe.
Since Airie Apartments implemented PrintWithMe in 2021 and SipWithMe in 2023, the average unit utilization rates have been 116% and 109%, respectively, quantitatively demonstrating the immense value to residents.
Cushman & Wakefield
Cushman & Wakefield keeps its clients at the cutting edge of technology by partnering with forward-thinking tech companies all around the world, including WithMe.
The integration of PrintWithMe and SipWithMe has made a significant impact across Cush & Wake’s portfolio. Approximately 55% of their top properties use both PrintWithMe and SipWithMe.
RPM Living
A staggering 51% of RPM Living’s top properties lean on PrintWithMe and SipWithMe to create places where extraordinary people thrive. We’ve helped more than 6,700 RPM residents conveniently and securely print documents from the comfort of their properties.
PrintWithMe and SipWithMe have proven to be invaluable assets for on-site teams, enhancing both efficiency and resident satisfaction.
As multifamily continues to evolve, the importance of offering unique and valuable amenities cannot be overstated. PrintWithMe and SipWithMe are leading the charge in transforming resident experiences, making everyday tasks easier and fostering a sense of community.
The self-serve amenities are not only cutting-edge but also reliable, ensuring that managers can count on consistent service delivery. This partnership approach fosters long-term success and mutual growth.
It’s no wonder 80% of the NMHC’s top 50 largest managers rely on these amenities. By choosing WithMe, they are not just providing services; they are enhancing lives and building stronger communities.
Ready to join these power players in transforming everyday tasks into exceptional experiences? Click here to get started!
Starting any business can be a challenging endeavor, but in the competitive world of tech, bootstrapping a business on your own, without the help of investors, can be a big mountain to climb. The reward of being your own boss and having full control over the future of your company, however, can be a major incentive for those aspiring entrepreneurs willing to put in the work.
But before you jump in, consider the following 20 tips from the business experts of Forbes Business Council. From building a strong foundation to embracing persistence, they share key insights into building a business the right way from the start.
Embrace Persistence
For entrepreneurs looking to bootstrap their tech startup, it's essential to have a strong vision and the patience to see it through. Embrace persistence, and be prepared to reinvest your funds to continually improve the business. Seek advice from seasoned entrepreneurs who have successfully navigated this path to avoid common pitfalls and leverage their experiences for your success. - Jonathan Treble, WithMe, Inc.
In today’s multifamily landscape, amenities play a pivotal role that goes beyond attracting and retaining prospective residents. The right amenity package can enhance residents’ daily experience, nurture a thriving sense of community and ultimately increase the asset’s overall value.
By thoughtfully outfitting an asset with the right amenities, property owners and operators can cater to today’s renters’ live-work-play and remote-work lifestyles.
WithMe was proud to be the driving force behind one of 90+ amazing educational sessions at Apartmentalize 2024, powered by the National Apartment Association!
For Culture Counts! Secrets to Hiring, Engaging and Retaining Top Talent, we recruited (pun intended) three culture experts to lead a dynamic conversation on cultivating a thriving workplace culture that fosters engagement and retention.
Moderated by our founder and CEO, Jonathan Treble, the interactive panel presentation featured expert insight from David Danish (SVP, Revenue and Marketing at LivCor), Julie Escanilla (SVP, Talent Acquisition at Bozzuto) and Jennifer Novack (Managing Director, Co-Head of Real Assets at Sheffield Haworth).
If you weren’t able to attend, here are a few key takeaways from the enlightening discussion that took place.
In a service-oriented industry, like multifamily, people are the most important asset.
It’s people who deliver on your brand promise, so adequately investing in those people is essential.
At LivCor, that investment is made by proactively looking for ways to develop talent. Leadership works diligently to help team members cultivate skills that support both short- and long-term success. Never assuming they know what motivates their humans or the ways they wish to grow, growth conversations are always two-way and collaborative. Team members who outgrow their roles are encouraged to explore new positions that engage their interest and empower them to succeed.
Clearly defining job expectations and collaboratively developing growth paths can help employees feel seen and valued as individuals. Encouraging employees to explore new roles as they grow helps proactively develop talent.
A magnetic culture starts at the top.
Leaders who prioritize and embody the company's values create a positive, cohesive environment that resonates throughout all levels. By demonstrating commitment to cultural initiatives and consistently communicating the importance of culture, leadership can inspire employees to fully engage and align with the organization's goals. This top-down approach ensures that culture isn't just a set of guidelines but an integral aspect of daily operations, driving productivity, satisfaction, and long-term success.
Culture is a living, breathing essence that has to evolve with people and what matters to them.
The world is constantly changing, and so are the demands of customers and employees. As a result, company culture should be viewed as an ongoing effort rather than a fixed state. Businesses must regularly assess the strengths and weaknesses of their culture and keep a pulse on employee sentiment. Initiatives should be responsive to the feedback and needs of the workplace.
Even though culture should evolve over time, it’s essential to stay true to a set of core values. At Bozzuto, for example, the company’s culture is deeply rooted in the organizational values established at its founding. However, the way these values are expressed and discussed has evolved. The company consistently returns to their "true north," but they communicate it in ways that resonate with current circumstances.
Creating an engaging and inclusive workplace culture requires intentionality and discipline.
The importance of clearly and consistently communicating the company's shared mission and values cannot be overstated.
One effective strategy for achieving this is linking recognition to core values, which encourages team members to embody the company’s principles and perform at their best. WithMe, for example, has implemented a #kudos Slack channel where employees can recognize peers for exemplifying the company’s values. The People Team has even created custom emojis to represent each value, adding a fun and visual element to the recognition process.
On the converse, core values can also be reiterated when providing candid feedback. At LivCor, values are integrated into Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) to help employees understand how to align with the company’s expectations and cultural standards.
Consistently referencing core values when offering recognition and feedback reinforces their importance in everyday actions and long-term development.
Consider your brand as a place to work - not just a place to live.
In multifamily, organizations are often so focused on building their consumer brand that they neglect to develop an employer brand that nurtures current and future employees.
To attract top talent, organizations should invest in the development of a strong employee value proposition (EVP). The EVP should clearly define, in writing, what makes a workplace unique and what differentiates the employee experience. Most often, the EVP is closely tied to the company culture - that special something that keeps people loyal. However, it it can encompass other standout things as well - business growth, career advancement opportunities, employee benefits, well-being programs, and corporate social responsibility.
This EVP can then be leveraged to create employment marketing campaigns that effectively convey the company culture. A well-designed website and high-quality assets should be part of those campaigns. Top-notch candidates will spend significant time researching a company to determine if it's where they want to invest their time and energy.
No matter how much money or time is invested in building an employer brand, the narrative will never entirely be in your control due to platforms like Glassdoor, where professionals are empowered to candidly and anonymously share their true feelings about employers. As recruitment expert Jeff Hyman emphasizes, you must address internal culture issues before you can recruit rockstars. Generating more positive reviews than negative ones takes time and intentional effort.
Defining your brand as a place to work and understanding how that connects to themes that resonate with your employees can be foundational to company culture, internal messaging and positive employee sentiment. It can also be used externally to convey the employee experience to job seekers, marketing the company as a place to work.
An efficient recruitment process, with clear communication and timely feedback, creates a positive candidate experience and ensures the company attracts the best talent.
A common bottleneck in multifamily recruiting is the interview stage. Hiring managers often find their schedules consumed by addressing owner, resident, vendor and employee concerns.
To streamline this process, it is crucial to predetermine who will conduct the interviews, ideally limiting the number to no more than two people. Securing commitments on turnaround times is also essential. Interviewers should set aside 1-2 hours each week specifically for candidate interviews. This proactive approach enables recruiters to swiftly schedule interviews, maintaining momentum and fostering a positive candidate experience.
Employing a multi-dimensional interview process sets the candidate and the organization up for success from day one.
LivCor’s interview process intentionally exposes candidates to other departments. This approach introduces potential hires to LivCor’s internal diversity of talent, as well as the avenue of opportunities that will be presented to them. Additionally, it helps get buy-in from adjacent departments, and when multiple stakeholders are on board with a hiring decision, it ultimately sets the candidate and the organization up for success from day one.
Understanding and addressing trends in turnover is crucial for retention.
No matter how skilled a recruiting team is at bringing in top talent, organizations will struggle if they can't retain these employees.
That’s why it’s critical to take the time to study and identify trends in turnover. Are specific job families or types of workers experiencing higher attrition rates? Are team members leaving due to poor work-life balance, toxic company culture, or lack of growth opportunities? Would the employee experience improve by upskilling managers to become better people leaders?
Be candid with your existing team members about the turnover trends you discover - and commit to following up. Communicate an action plan and provide updates on your progress at regular intervals.
Diversifying your population requires more than a simple recruiting strategy - it demands a comprehensive approach.
Junior positions, which inherently turn over faster, somewhat naturally diversify. When LivCor committed to diversifying at all levels, they quickly realized that goal was a completely different lift that required extreme intentionality. It’s not just recruiting strategy - it’s where you advertise, the language in the position descriptions, the interview process, responses to answers and the onboarding process. If true diversity is your goal, a comprehensive process has to be devised and executed.
As we wrap up our recap of the "Culture Counts! Secrets to Hiring, Engaging and Retaining Top Talent" session at Apartmentalize 2024, it's clear that cultivating a thriving workplace culture is both an art and a science. Our expert panelists shared invaluable insights into the importance of investing in people, defining and evolving company culture, and creating an engaging environment that supports both personal and professional growth.
From proactively developing talent to ensuring that leadership embodies and communicates core values, the session underscored that a magnetic culture starts at the top and requires continuous effort and adaptation. By staying true to foundational values while responding to the evolving needs of employees, organizations can build a culture that drives engagement, satisfaction and long-term success.
We hope these takeaways inspire you to evaluate and enhance your own workplace culture. Remember, creating an inclusive and thriving environment is a journey that demands intentionality, communication and a commitment to the people who make your organization what it is.
As a multifamily property manager, owner, or developer, selecting amenities that benefit your residents and staff while not hurting the bottom line is an ongoing balancing act. The amenities decision can’t be taken lightly—the wrong offerings are wasted expenses, while the right ones elevate the resident experience and the community’s perceived — and real — value.
Apartmentalize 2024, powered by the National Apartment Association, is just around the corner. Boasting more than 90 educational sessions and a seemingly endless array of networking opportunities, figuring out the best way to maximize your time can be daunting. But don’t fret. We’ve got you covered with 8 tips to ensure you have a great experience:
1. Come on, get app-y.
Well before you ever leave for Philadelphia, familiarize yourself with the Apartmentalize 2024 app, available for iOS and Android.
Before using the app, you’ll need to create a myNAA Planner account using your registration email address and the ID number from your Apartmentalize confirmation.
Once you’ve created a myNAA account, you can log in to the app, and you’ll be able to look up education sessions, exhibitors and activities and add them to your itinerary.
At the conference, you can use the app’s interactive map to find exhibitors, access session handouts and even take notes.
2. Educate yourself.
NAA has carefully curated more than 90 different educational sessions that feature over 250 industry experts and span a multitude of topics, including maintenance, operations, leasing, affordable housing, marketing, leadership and industry trends.
Take time to thoroughly read through all of the session descriptions and identify the ones that address your current pain points or cover topics you’re interested in learning more about.
For guidance on building a great corporate culture that fosters engagement and retention, be sure to add Culture Counts! Secrets to Hiring, Engaging and Retaining Top Talent to your itinerary! WithMe’s CEO and Founder, Jonathan Treble, will be moderating the panel on June 21 from 11 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. in Location 114. The session will feature expert insight from LivCor’s David Danish, Bozzuto’s Julie Escanilla and Sheffield Haworth’s Jennifer Novack.
3. Dress for success and to impress.
Most attendees will be in business casual attire. The days will be long, so be sure you’re comfortable, but also remember you’re representing your organization - and yourself! Take pride in your appearance.
Conference floors and meeting rooms can get chilly. Dress in layers
to be sure you’ll always be comfortable.
Wear comfortable shoes. Enough said.
4. Pack your bags.
Be sure you always have these two items with you during the conference:
5. Get social.
NAA does an incredible job populating their social profiles with helpful information. Before heading to the conference, be sure you are following #Apartmentalize on Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter or Instagram. Lean into the conversation on your favorite platform for an insider’s view of what is trending before, during and even after the conference.
6. Be flexible.
This may initially strike you as an impolite gesture, but if a session is not working for you, it’s okay to leave! NAA actually encourages that mentality!
Find another session that interests you. Meet up with peers outside the conference room who want to network and engage in dialogue about other topics. Invest your time wisely!
7. Visit the WithMe team (and all of the other amazing vendors)!
Fuel up with a cup of delicious SipWithMe coffee (featuring beans from La Colombe, a Philly favorite) and find out how WithMe’s amenities can help you elevate your resident experience, save staff time and hassle, decrease your spend and control costs.
Here’s where you can find us:
Booth 1810
Thursday, June 20: 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
June 21: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Prefer the VIP treatment? Schedule a time to meet with us here.
Feel like doing a little recon before Apartmentalize? Browse the LinkedIn profiles of everyone who will be attending:
We clearly like to toot our own horn, but seriously, take the time to visit with vendors that interest you. You will likely uncover new products and services that can help you elevate your property and improve operations!
8. Channel your inner Rocky Balboa.
We’re teaming up with our friends at Flamingo to co-host the FREE “Feel The Love” 5K on June 20! Enjoy an invigorating run or brisk walk on a scenic out-and-back trail that will take you along historic Boathouse Row and conclude with a triumphant climb up the iconic Rocky steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art!
Even if you don't want to run or walk the full 5K, we still encourage you to stop by to take a photo at the Rocky steps, enjoy some light refreshments and connect with your industry peers!
We encourage everyone to arrive by 6:45 a.m., as the 5K will start promptly at 7 a.m.
Register here.
9. Mix and mingle.
Apartmentalize offers ample opportunity to mix and mingle with your multifamily peers. Attend as many social events and receptions as you can. Not only will you be rewarded with free food and cocktails, you'll be able to build relationships with your multifamily peers and gain important perspective on the industry.
Call us biased, but we think year's hottest social event is going to be the rooftop happy hour hosted by WithMe, Flamingo, Tourus and Boom at LVL North on June 19.
Enjoy a glass of wine, cocktails and refreshments - all set to the soothing sounds of our DJ and live jazz singer.
Whether you’re looking to network, relax before the big expo day, or simply enjoy the ambiance, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with other multifamily industry professionals in a chic rooftop setting.
RSVP here.
We can’t wait to connect with you June 19-21 in Philly!