Could your leasing office staff use additional support? Recent data suggests that industry turnover remains high. And while hiring is on the rise, it still falls short of expectations. If your current team members are burning the candle at both ends, thorough and efficient training of new hires is of the utmost importance.  Get your team the support it needs. Read on to learn how you can shorten the time between hiring and training completion without cutting corners. Growth for multifamily operations The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported at the end of the year that employment rose by 210,000 jobs.  While the growth is notable, it is also falls short: the number of employed persons is still 3.9 million below its pre-pandemic level. Within the industry, growth comes in small increments. Multifamily residential property managers witnessed job growth by 0.58% from November to December. Employment for residential property managers increased by 3.7% year-over-year. In leasing, employment rose by 0.03% month-to-month and 0.67% year-over-year. Though the overall figures fall short of pre-pandemic levels by 2.6%, the uptick in hiring holds promise. Job growth in apartment operations indicates that onboarding procedures will also be on the rise, offering relief to site staff. Tools for easier onboarding Recent new hires offer much-needed support for site staff. The tasks of training and mentoring, however, can make the transition burdensome to existing teammates. Ease the onboarding process with self-guided and role-specific online training. Online learning management software offers secure 24/7/365 remote access to training materials. Learners benefit from the ability to learn at their own speed and review content as needed. Each lesson can include learning checks to assess strengths and opportunities. For optimal efficiency, automatically distribute role-based learning plans. Plans may cover multiple competency areas, including Yardi software...

Global energy demand surpassed pre-COVID 19 levels in 2021. Energy was the top-performing S&P 500 sector that year. With energy demand still on the rise, the energy sector stands to grow even more in 2022. The Balance Sheet sampled expert predictions of what’s ahead for renewables and the rest of the energy industry in 2022. We will keep tabs on key developments throughout the year. Economist Intelligence, a policy analysis and consulting group, predicts that global energy consumption will rise by 2.2% in 2022 as economies recover from the pandemic. All types of energy except nuclear power will benefit, although “energy companies will need to undertake an urgent review of their strategies next year, as governments and investors ramp up pressure to cut emissions.” Kathryn Downey Miller, president of energy industry analysis firm BTU Analytics, echoes that assessment. “Despite a strong profit outlook heading into 2022, enormous pressure is coming from providers of capital and other stakeholders to evolve business models for the new energy economy,” she said in an editorial published in December. That pressure is a principal reason that “renewable energy growth is poised to accelerate in 2022, as concern for climate change and support for environmental, sustainability, and governance considerations grow and demand for cleaner energy sources from most market segments (residential, commercial, and industrial consumers) accelerates,” according to an energy industry outlook report prepared by Deloitte. Renewable generation expands Renewables were the only energy source for which demand increased in 2020, according to the International Energy Agency. Renewable electricity generation in 2021 expanded by over 8% in 2021. Record levels of wind and solar generation additions are expected to come online in 2022, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence, which studies energy markets. The adoption of renewable energy sources will be...

It’s crucial for senior living providers to keep resident information accurate and secure — especially when it comes to medications. But when using an online system to execute point-of-care charting, errors can occur if your community loses power, or the Wi-Fi disconnects. Luckily, we have a solution. With the Yardi EHR Care Stream app, your resident data stays safe and up to date, no matter the circumstance.   Say hello to offline charting. Keep reading to learn about the latest functionality. All about Care Stream The Yardi EHR Care Stream app allows caregivers to perform order resolutions, execute electronic point-of-care charting and complete related tasks. This includes medication orders, behavioral issues, daily assignments and more. With this simplified, mobile record-keeping solution, caregivers can spend less time on administrative tasks and more time with residents. Fully integrated with Voyager Senior Housing, providers can easily connect business and resident care to keep their communities moving forward. For added convenience and efficiency, the Yardi EHR Care Stream app is compatible with both smartphone and tablet devices.   Meet offline charting How does offline charting help providers eliminate errors, empower caregivers and pass medications securely? It’s simple. Offline charting allows senior care staff to work offline, without an active internet connection, all from one central platform. And thanks to the newest functionality, caregivers can remain offline as long as needed, even if the internet is down for days. So if you’re facing connectivity issues, whether briefly or for extended periods of time, it’s not a problem. Caregivers can still log in to Care Stream and complete their work. Every input automatically saves and syncs when the system comes back online. At Yardi, we’re passionate about helping you deliver the best possible care — and making care-related tasks seamless....

Scalable growth is what empowers a single investment in 1992 to develop into nearly 150 investment properties today. Yardi client MG Properties Group has recently expanded its portfolio with a $141 million acquisition in Denver. The growth is supported by robust investment management software. MG Properties acquires 3300 Tamarac Apartments 3300 Tamarac Apartments in Denver marks the first acquisition of the new year for MG Properties. The multifamily property contains 564 units ranging from studio, one- and two-bedroom floor plans. Amenities include three resort-style pools, a fenced dog park and large resident social lounge. For fitness, residents can enjoy a racquetball court, volleyball court, walking trails and a fully equipped fitness center. A spacious playground for the kiddos is perfect for growing families. 3300 Tamarac Apartments are in the Hampden neighborhood which offers pedestrian-friendly and bikeable access to shopping, dining, attractions and green spaces. The area has easy access to major thoroughfares without inner city congestion. Nearly 50% of neighborhood commuters report the trip takes 15 to 30 minutes.                                                    MG Properties Group’s Founder & CEO Mark Gleiberman said, “MG is delighted to add 3300 Tamarac to our portfolio which further scales our Denver presence. We believe this submarket is ideally positioned to benefit from Denver’s continued growth.” Smart growth with Yardi Investment Manager MG Properties continues to grow its presence throughout the West Coast and Midwest with targets in Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado and Texas. The San Diego-based apartment community developer, rehabilitator and manager practices smart growth with the aid of Yardi Investment Manager. Investment Manager demonstrates how a technology platform offers coherent insight into real estate investment activity. It provides a single source of the truth for investor and investment information that eliminates the need for disparate systems and manual data...

Coworking spaces have offered a refuge for displaced employees and freelancers alike. New variants of COVID-19 have many employers teetering between office and remote work environments. More consistently, coworking spaces have provided a way for workers to get work done in a focused environment. As the manager of a coworking space, you’re an unsung hero! The following six steps can help you promote a secure and healthy environment for clients who need your services. Healthy co-working spaces 1. Automate the basics Contactless technology permits simple processes and transactions with less exposure for staff and clients. Automated attendance trackers offer convenient yet controlled access to your shared workspace. Combine Kisi and KUBE door access systems to manage member and visitor logs as well as billing details. Enable pay-as-you-go features that empower any user with a mobile device to begin working automatically. Clients favor the flexibility, and it minimizes cancellations and billing disputes. 2. Improve ventilation and filtration Healthy spaces begin with ample air flow and filtration. Joseph G. Allen, faculty advisor to the Harvard Healthier Building Materials Academy, advises building managers to bring in as much outdoor air as they can to dilute airborne viral particles. If your site has dampers, consider opening them. Recirculated air should be filtered by a MERV13 or higher filter, which capture at least 80% of viral particles. If those standards are unattainable, Allen recommends portable air cleaners with HEPA filters, which capture 99.97% of particles. Enhanced security for transient workspaces 3. Benefit from member education Education is key to risk mitigation. During new member registration, consider hosting an e-learning session that covers the basics of shared workspace security. A few minutes of educational training can drastically improve the security of your coworking space. 4. Offer private Wi-Fi Greater fluctuations in clients may follow...

Looking for a creative approach to senior living design? Look no further. Watercrest Senior Living is developing a biophilic-inspired community and it’s a sight to see. Meet Watercrest  Watercrest Senior Living is all about dedicated care. This provider upholds their mission “To Welcome, To Care, To Serve” in their thoughtfully-designed communities built to provide security, comfort, health, happiness and opportunities to help residents live their best lives. The biophilic design theme will live at Watercrest Macon, a Georgia-based community offering assisted living and memory care options.   Biophilia explained Defined as the innate human instinct to connect with nature and other living beings, Biophilia makes for an ingenious design foundation. In this case, it’s the foundation for amenities at Watercrest Macon. Building a biophilic space means incorporating natural materials and patterns in the design process. The ultimate goal is to develop a strong connection to nature — and ensure that connection is maintained. But what’s the benefit of living in a biophilic, nature-inspired environment? Research suggests that nature living can enhance mood, decrease stress, increase concentration, reduce blood pressure and more. And according to Watercrest, their biophilic-themed community is being purposefully designed with these benefits in mind. Immersed in nature at Watercrest Macon Come early 2022, when the new amenities are scheduled to be finished, Watercrest Macon will take nature living to a whole new level. Deeply rooted in biophilic themes, their fresh architectural elements aren’t often found in senior living communities. With that, congratulations are in order! Shoutout to Watercrest Macon for creating a unique, positive experience for their residents. The community’s amenities will include an oversized atrium, therapeutic moss walls, landscaped walking paths, a signature water wall, gardening stations and even an outdoor putting green. See for yourself in Watercrest Macon’s LinkedIn...

With the pandemic still affecting much of the economy, remote work – utilized by about 16% of the U.S. workforce in 2019 – has become even more entrenched as a business norm. Some employers are making remote work available permanently while others are adopting a hybrid model. Gains in employee satisfaction, productivity Data collected by a team from the Mexico Autonomous Institute of Technology, Stanford University and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business through March 2021 found that nearly six out of 10 workers reported being more productive working from home than they expected to be, compared with 14% who said they got less done. As far back as May 2020, four in 10 Americans who worked from home at least one day a week said they would look for another job if their employers ordered a full-time return to the office. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics weighed in with a report that labor productivity, defined as the value of goods and services produced per hour of work, increased by 1.8% between the second quarter of 2020 and the second quarter of 2021, compared with an average annual increase of 1.4% from 2005 to 2019. (Some of those gains occurred in durable-goods industries such as car and appliance manufacturing that are largely unaffected by the working-from-home trend.) The shift toward working from home isn’t universally embraced. CEOs such as David Solomon of Goldman Sachs and Jamie Dimon of JP Morgan Chase have claimed that the practice is detrimental to creativity and culture. Partisans on either side can bolster their cases with a spectrum of arguments: better sleep; less time lost to commuting; reduced spontaneous communication with colleagues; enhanced employee retention; fewer opportunities for the personal interactions and mentorships that advance careers....

It’s no secret that technology is beneficial. For seniors in particular, tech can help with socialization, safety and everyday tasks. That’s according to Yardi client Maplewood Senior Living, who published a stellar blog post analyzing the role tech plays in older adults’ lives. So if you’re curious how certain tech solutions can benefit residents in your communities, you’re in the right place. Benefits of seniors using technology   Citing research, Maplewood shares four ways technology can enrich seniors’ quality of life: Socialization — especially during the pandemic, seniors face an increased risk of loneliness and social isolation. Fortunately, tech can be used to prevent serious, long-term effects. According to a study shared by Maplewood, Internet use by seniors resulted in lower depression and higher levels of social support. Safety — rightfully so, family members may worry about the safety of their loved ones as they age. But tech solutions are built to help. From tools that track a senior’s care patterns to devices built to alert medical professionals in an emergency, the right system can reduce risks and provide peace of mind. Entertainment — tech can provide various entertainment options for seniors. This includes online classes, games and movies. Smart devices can also provide accessibility, catering their features specifically to seniors, allowing them to receive the maximum benefit. Exercise and health tracking — prioritizing mental and physical health is key for all ages, seniors included. With the right tools, seniors and loved ones can easily track important health information like activity levels or medication schedules.   Ways to utilize technology There’s a wide range of possibilities when it comes to technology. For seniors, different solutions can transform their day-to-day lives. Maplewood offers five key ways older adults can utilize tech: Manage financesSchedule appointmentsMaintain social...

It started with Green Lights. That was the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) inaugural Climate Partnerships Programs initiative in 1991. Since then, Climate Partnership Programs has engaged tens of thousands of public and private organizations, generated billions of dollars of investments in energy efficiency and clean energy, saved American consumers more than $500 billion in energy costs and prevented more than 6 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Green Lights – which encourages organizations to use energy-efficient lighting technologies in their offices, factories, stores and warehouses – is one of more than two dozen Climate Partnership Programs. Vital to meeting national greenhouse gas reduction, carbon-pollution free electricity and net-zero emissions targets, the programs include: ENERGY STAR®, which identifies energy-efficient products and practices for consumers and businesses in 33 industrial sectors and 840 utilities. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR, managed jointly by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy, and its partners have helped American families and businesses save 5 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity, avoid more than $450 billion in energy costs and achieve 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. In 2019 alone, ENERGY STAR drove reductions of 220,000 short tons of sulfur dioxide, 220,000 short tons of nitrogen oxides, and 27,000 short tons of fine particulate matter. ENERGY STAR product sales exceed $100 billion annually.The State and Local Climate and Energy Program, which offers free tools, data and technical expertise to help state, local and tribal governments achieve their environmental, energy, equity and economic objectives.The Green Power Partnership, a source of information and technical assistance for companies using green power. The program has helped prevent nearly 280 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.Methane Emissions Reduction Partnership Programs, which promote the cost-effective recovery and use of methane by sectors such as agriculture,...

How can business intelligence (BI) software provide insightful data? Our resourceful infographic has the answers, painting a detailed picture of BI and its benefits. We’re here to share it with you. Keep reading to discover why a BI solution like Senior IQ uncovers the information needed to make smarter, faster decisions — and drive growth in your communities. Data scattered across siloed systems leads to incorrect, outdated information Senior living business intelligence is crucial for today’s providers. But disparate systems don’t compare to a single connected solution. And our infographic has the research to match. According to BI-Survey, out of companies drawing data from disparate sources, only 5% report having no significant problems. A centralized business intelligence solution is key By accessing data from a single and accurate source, senior living providers can steer their communities forward. But what are the specific benefits? How can a single connected solution transform your business? For starters, a centralized BI solution helps providers … Streamline operationsMeasure successSave timeMinimize risksEmpower staffImprove resident care Not convinced? Take a look at the findings shared directly in the infographic. But while you’re here, we’ll point to a few: 54% of enterprises say BI is critical or very important to their current and future strategies, according to ForbesFinances Online reports that companies with CEOs that spearhead data-driven decisions are 77% more likely to achieve business goals64% of users reported that BI data helped improve their efficiency, says Finances Online Transform your business with Yardi Senior IQ Senior IQ is a single connected BI solution designed for the unique needs of senior living providers. With this specialized system, you’ll gain access to … Real-time reports and dashboards450+ pre-configured KPIs plus custom optionsInternal benchmarks and industry comparison dataPrecise insights for presenting to investors or...

In the age of staffing shortages, senior living providers need creative approaches to attract and retain employees. And we’ve seen some effective strategies this year. But our newest discovery is from Yardi client Aegis Living, who’s launching a standalone agency focused solely on staffing. Meet Aegis Staffing. Smart staffing by Aegis In creating Aegis Staffing, Aegis Living is bringing originality and resourcefulness to the staffing crisis. This Washington-based provider will pilot the new, in-house agency for 12 to 18 months starting in January. Initially, the agency will focus on staffing improvements at Aegis’ Seattle communities, but CEO Dwayne Clark isn’t stopping there. In an interview with Senior Housing News (SHN), Clark says there may be opportunities to expand the service to other areas — and companies — down the road. In developing the new agency, Aegis is doing a full overhaul of the staffing philosophy they’ve followed for years. This entailed hiring full-time workers at competitive wage rates, offering time off and providing additional perks. But given the latest shifts in staffing, employees have new expectations related to work-life balance. And that’s what led Clark to take action. Aegis Staffing seeks to recruit workers and incentivize staff members in a whole new way. Attracting a new workforce While Aegis already employs seasoned caregivers, they won’t draw from their own workforce to staff the new agency. Instead, the company will recruit employees from outside agencies. They’re also widening their pool of considered applicants to include recent refugees, retired military personnel and older adults. “That’s a workforce that we haven’t been exposed to,” Clark told SHN. Aegis plans to incentivize with a high hourly rate — one that’s competitive to staffing agencies where prospective employees currently work.   Although the staffing agency isn’t up to speed...

The self storage industry has remained relatively strong in the wake of the pandemic. In addition to its traditional roles — during moving and to supplement lack of space at home — people who never used the service before needed space to store items, and for a wide variety of reasons. Yardi’s StorageCafe division has been keeping track of these trends and assessing the future of the self storage industry. Self storage facilities stayed open during the pandemic, responding to a myriad of new demands. There was help for people and businesses in transition and long-term solutions for online retailers and anyone experiencing cramped living conditions. Facilities also adapted quickly, introducing procedures that not only address hygiene requirements but also promote efficiency — and development of them has continued, in line with current demands and trends.  Storage’s increasingly diverse customer base The storage sector’s customer base became more diverse. People who had to downsize, perhaps moving to the suburbs, joined the cohort of Americans who move house more habitually. Self storage has been on hand with a place for their belongings until they decide what to do with them. Then there were the college kids no longer on campus and those who needed to return to family households to assist with childcare or with elderly parents — they all needed space for excess belongings. New businesses and ways to run them When businesses closed physical offices, many moved furniture and filing cabinets into a storage unit. Retailers who needed a place to keep their stock did the same — finding it provided more flexibility than warehousing — while transitioning to selling online. Many people had to make home offices, triggering a need to store displaced items outside the house. In addition, the pandemic caused...

We can glean interesting insights from our Google search habits. Our internet queries reflect our interests and preferences. They offer a peek into what we can expect (or hope for) in terms of style, price, location and features in our home. To better understand our shifting interests during the pandemic, researchers at Point2Homes.com pulled search term data from Google Keyword Planner. This is what they discovered. What are we seeking during the pandemic? Researchers at Point2 observed the following in the past three years: Homebuyers sought affordability among pandemic markets rife with construction delays, skyrocketing supply prices and labor shortages. A few of the most popular search terms were “affordable homes for sale,” which increased by 108% compared to pre-pandemic searches; “first-time homebuyer” and “tiny home for sale” came in as second and third most searched terms.  “Buying a second home” also showed significant interest, with searches jumping 53% in 2020 compared to 2019.Renters searched for financial aid to ease economic uncertainty and hardship. “Rent relief,” which received only about 90 searches per month in 2019, spiked to 9,900 per month in 2020 and 49,500 in 2021.Current homeowners explored ways to make the most of their equity and current interest rates. The search for “mortgage refinancing” increased by 124% in 2020 compared to 2019.Remote employees searched for ways to make their home more conducive to work. The key phrase “home office design” remained popular in 2020 and 2021. What were we interested in buying during the pandemic? While “affordable homes for sale” and “tiny homes for sale” saw improved popularity, homes on the other end of the spectrum demonstrated an uptick as well. Queries for “luxury homes” and “penthouse for sale” both increased by about 50% between 2019 and 2020. In 2020, searches from...