The news has been full of stories of sexual harassment this year. Virtually every industry has seen major names go down in connection with misbehaviors on the job. While it is easy to find the headlines depressing, the silver lining is that people are no longer willing to put up with abuse in the workplace. Even the richest and most powerful people are being held accountable for their actions.
Sexual harassment is never okay in any workplace, but it's sadly common in the property management world. Both employees and tenants alike can find themselves the victim of harassment. It's up to property managers to ensure their community is safe for everyone working and living there. Scott Safadi of Cal Bay Property Management recommends the following common sense guidelines for all landlords to adopt: Train employees It may seem like common sense to not harass colleagues or tenants, but you'd be surprised by what some believe is acceptable behavior. Bringing in a consultant who can train your staff on avoiding sexual harassment could seem like overkill, but is a great way to ensure everyone is on the same page. Take Complaints Seriously If someone comes to you with a complaint about an employee or tenant's behavior, it is tempting to brush it off and hope the behavior stops. This is absolutely the worst way to handle complaints. Instead, take the time to listen to the person bringing the problem to your attention. Document the complaint and then discuss the accusations with the person in question. Even if they deny any wrongdoing, knowing you have brought the issue to their attention is a great way to ensure the behavior is stopped. Get Rid of Open Secrets Too many abuse allegations this year have involved open secrets. If there are rumors in your community about a person's ongoing misdeeds, it is time to nip the problem in the bud. As evidenced by 2017's headlines, these open secrets are incredibly harmful and could even spell legal trouble for your community. Do your part to thoroughly investigate harmful open secrets and bring them to light. While there is no surefire way to eliminate sexual harassment in an organization, taking a zero tolerance policy towards such behaviors is a great place to start. Do your part this year to ensure all employees and tenants have a safe space to live and work. - Scott Safadi, Cal Bay Property Management
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They say that you are only as good as the company you keep. While it's not always possible to hire perfect employees, there are a few things to keep in mind when trying to fill vacancies on your staff. Scott Safadi of Cal Bay Property Management recommends the following hiring tips for guaranteeing the best staff possible:
Clarify Expectations While it might seem like common sense to expect an employee to dress professionally and show up on time, you'd be surprised at how many assumptions can be proven wrong. By being crystal clear about what you expect from new hires, you ensure that everyone is on the same page. In that vein, make sure your job description is thorough and clear in language. Include required skills and spell out the compensation you're able to offer. This allows candidates to easily understand what they are in for in an interview. Prioritize Skills When you're writing up the job description, be clear about the skills necessary for the position. If you're hiring someone to handle rent payments, organization and a mathematical mind simply aren't negotiable. By being clear about the requirements for the position, you set yourself up for hiring a candidate who is thoroughly qualified. Stress Customer Service It's easy to say you're good at customer service, but it's another to actually handle customer interactions with skill and grace. In the property management world, your employees will likely interact with tenants or prospective tenants on a daily basis. To provide stellar service, you need employees who can clearly and effectively communicate. When it comes to the property management business, customer service trumps skill every time. Reward Loyalty Hiring can take time and focus away from your tenants, so you'll want to bring on someone who is likely to stay. Look to a prospective hire's resume for insight on their priorities. If they bounce from one job to another every year, chances are good that they won't stick around your office for long, either. While it is important to hire a candidate who is well-qualified, longevity should always be factored in, too. No matter how you handle hiring new members of your staff, by being honest and upfront about expectations, you set your team up for success. - Scott Safadi, Cal Bay Property Management |
AuthorScott Safadi leverages extensive experience in the real estate industry to serve as the CEO of Cal Bay Property Management (CBPM), which he founded in Palo Alto, California. Archives
January 2020
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