Why getting future-focused as a Strata Manager has never been more important

In times of instability and uncertainty, it has been proven that people get more focussed on things they feel they have control over as opposed to not. From what they eat, how they dress to where they live and how they organise their space - people find comfort in control when the world feels chaotic.

This means if there was ever a time for a tenant to notice if the Spring window cleaning or the pre-Summer pest control hadn’t been done, it’s now.?

We are living in a post-pandemic world with crippling worker shortages across almost every sector and as a Strata Manager, it would be right to assume you might be pulling your hair out trying to book reasonably-priced and well-timed trades at present. Spring window cleaners are booked out months in advance with a going rate that could make your eyes water – however, getting focussed on maintaining your building standards and overall operations now and into the future could place you ahead of the competition.

Not only that, but ensuring you are running your systems like a ‘well-oiled machine’ will create less speed bumps down the line.

You’ve heard of the term ‘Happy resident, Happy life’ - me neither, but we all know it to be true. With a few changes, Strata Managers can be prepared for instability whenever it may strike.?

Adopt that growth mindset?

Recent research from Macquarie Bank found less than one in four strata management businesses were negatively impacted by the pandemic - fairing better than other industries.

This was partially a result of putting a larger focus on improving team experience and business performance, as opposed to relentless cost cutting.

A growth mindset can benefit every strata manager in staying focussed and consistently improving the way they work.?

The pandemic saw a spike in strata management investing in communication tools and IT infrastructure - proving highly beneficial to clients and staff in staying connected while offering flexibility and improving overall efficiency.?

Being open-minded to all changes and learning how to get the best out of them in creating efficiencies in your job can change the trajectory of how you will grow as a strata manager.

Stay connected to stay ahead of the issues

Often it isn’t what you know, it’s who you know, and staying connected as a Strata Manager can be hugely beneficial in weathering a storm before it hits.?

Speak to people from all industries that you work closely with - from your insurance provider, pest control expert, or even the person who does the odd maintenance job for you. Everyone who is an expert in their field can provide insight and a heads-up on problems before they arrive.

Impending worker shortages were being spoken about and felt in a number of industries long before the consumer felt the brunt of them. Add to this material shortages and supply chain difficulties and you have the perfect storm.?

As a Strata Manager, being told in Spring last year by your window cleaner that the next year would be challenging could prompt you to get your next three sessions booked well in advance. Having a strong and connected relationship with your providers also places you ahead in the priority queue.?

In being future-focussed, ensure that you are always asking the right questions with the people you deal with day-to-day in getting a feel for what’s coming - it will help you in leaps and bounds in being efficient, prepared and quietly smug when your operations roll on seamlessly while others are scrambling to adapt and keep up.

A strong team makes the world go round

The same set of data mentioned above found more than a third of strata businesses have attracting and retaining staff as their top concern.?

Off the back of Albanese’s Jobs and Skills Summit, we know we are far from alone in staffing issues and share the same sentiment that as a strata manager running that ‘well-oiled machine’ relies extremely heavily on having the right team wrapped around you.?

Getting future-focused involves creating pathways and systems that hold top talent into the future.

Commentary from top recruitment agency Drake International cited that over the past 18 months, flexible working practice rose to the top of the list of desired workplace benefits across all age groups and most disciplines.

“These flexible working conditions have not only become more prevalent as a result of COVID but are increasingly becoming the norm and are probably here to stay.”

It has been found that in strata, working from home had far fewer negative impacts, compared with other property services and was important in keeping the employee experience attractive.?

Technologies and innovation are what allows this to happen seamlessly and any resistance to these measures will ultimately cause problems.?

Being open to change and embracing how it can help you to get the best out of your work and your team around you is a key driver to success.

We found that whilst working remotely had advantages in being able to keep the core administrative duties attended to and our clients satisfied, it brought additional challenges at an unprecedented level around employee engagement and sense of belonging.?

Having a robust and dedicated focus around employee welfare as well as support systems for those who struggle with engagement and cultural belonging whilst based off-site provides exponential returns.

Final thoughts

With the demand side of the market and worker shortages creating speed bumps and headaches for a number of Strata Managers, getting future-focussed has never been more important.?

In order to grow, we must adapt when instability strikes and having a willingness to new technology and change at these times will be the deciding factor on whether we will survive and thrive.

Connectivity plays a huge part in this growth and again getting future-focussed as a Strata Manager. It allows us to stay ahead of oncoming problems and keep our buildings running smoothly at all times. Cut out the small talk and have meaningful conversations with the people you deal with day-to-day in the industry, you might surprise yourself at what you learn and the positive outcomes this delivers for your clients and staff.

Lastly, wrap around your team as a strata manager. Everyone has different insights and experiences and having a team with tenure can help in overall knowledge, professionalism and capability in doing the job right. Look after your people, encourage them to look after each other and you can trust that they will look after your clients.?

ENDS.

About High Rise Strata Management?

Highrise Strata Management commenced trading in June 2021 as a specialist Owners Corporation Management firm focusing solely on large Owners Corporations. The team at JFB Management Services established Highrise Strata after a successful 6 years administering their portfolio without a single lost management. We are proud to say that some of our buildings have remained loyal clients of our team of managers for over 15 years.

Through extensive management experience in the industry, the Highrise Strata Management team came to realise that the Owners Corporation Management needs of larger, prestigious sites across Melbourne were not being attended to with the care, dedication and high levels of customer service and relationship management they deserve.

Highrise Strata has a strong focus on education of our clients and stakeholders for the betterment of the industry as a whole.?

Underpinning the above, the team at Highrise Strata have a strong focus on ethical practices within the industry, promoting best practice and leading the way in the market space we operate.?

highrisestrata.com.au