5 Things to Know About Adequate Homeowners' Association Staffing
Does your homeowners’ association staff adequate for the services that you provide? Are they being supported and trained to ensure that they deliver exceptional resident experience?
When it comes to staffing your community and creating an engaging lifestyle experience, several important factors need to be taken into consideration. Staffing a community is a people-oriented business, where it is crucial to prioritize the needs of both the association and the candidate. Making the right match requires careful attention and consideration.
In fact, in association management, staffing is a unique blend of science and art. That's why it's wise to collaborate with an HOA management company that provides valuable tools and services. These resources will help you find the right individuals who can enhance your community and create the ideal lifestyle for your residents.
How do you create that exceptional lifestyle (and staff) experience? Here are 5 essentials for adequate and appropriate HOA staffing:
1. Assess your HOA’s current versus future needs.
No community is stagnant. As times change, so do the demographics and lifestyles of your residents. Currently, your needs might be clear-cut: you may have a compliance manager, compliance inspector, concierge, security, seasonal staff and lifeguards. But what if part of your community’s vision is to become more lifestyle-oriented? What if your aging population means there’s a transition to an active-adult community in your future? Then you may need more specialized staff, such as a lifestyle director, who can manage and oversee those changes. A homeowners’ association management company that’s adept at staffing can help you fill the vacancies now and plan for the roles you’ll need in the future.
2. Make sure your association has adequate staffing support and resources.
Staffing is no small task. Does your current association management company have the resources to take on this responsibility? Look to a firm that has a human resources team and recruiter who is experienced in developing teams for lifestyle communities. They should have the knowledge and expertise to pair your community with the ideal candidates. Think of them as the ultimate matchmaker. Beyond interpersonal and recruitment skills, they should also have the legal know-how to protect your association from liability and ensure your homeowners’ association is abiding by state and federal staffing regulations.
3. Balance understaffing vs. overstaffing in your community or building.
Concerns regarding finances arise when it comes to staffing - both being understaffed and overstaffed come with their own set of costs. When your community team is lacking in numbers, you won't have enough manpower to meet the needs of residents. This leads to unhappiness among residents, resulting in fewer residents and reduced revenue from assessments. On the other hand, overstaffing means you're paying for professionals that are not necessary, resulting in unnecessary expenses. Engaging a staffing expert can assist you in achieving the perfect balance, allowing you to fulfill your fiduciary responsibilities effectively.
4. Remember that finding the right “fit” matters.
Finding the right staff for your HOA management company is not a one-size-fits-all task. It requires a thorough understanding of your company's culture and future goals. A skilled corporate recruiter, along with your HR department, will invest time in getting to know your unique culture and the desired vision for the future. They will go beyond just fulfilling staffing requests and will identify the true needs of your community, even when they are not explicitly expressed. By immersing themselves in the culture and challenges of your community, they can recognize the critical requirements that will ensure successful staffing.
5. Retain great HOA staff members, but be prepared for change.
Ensuring employee retention and smooth transitions are crucial for an effective HOA management company. Beyond simply connecting you with a great team member, a top-notch company will provide ongoing support, training, and resources to ensure employee satisfaction and longevity. Recognizing that change is inevitable, whether through promotions, retirements, or relocations, a reliable management company will have a robust transition plan in place to ensure uninterrupted support for your association. Partner with a company that prioritizes both employee retention and seamless transitions for a strong and stable future.
Conclusion
When it comes to staffing your community, it's crucial to carefully consider several factors and ensure that the associates you bring on board are the perfect fit for your association. That's why partnering with a management company that offers top-notch staff support, including a highly skilled HR team for recruitment, training, and benefits, is of utmost importance.