Loyalty + Retention

Supporting Resident Mental Health

By Erica Rascón on Dec 13, 2021 in Marketing

If you could help make the holidays less difficult for your residents, would you do it? Grief, stress, loneliness, social anxiety and financial struggles can be particularly heightened during this time of year. Through supportive services and resources, you can aid residents during the holidays with tools that you already have on hand.

Resident loyalty is solidified through the human-to-human connection

Research confirms that developing a sense of community adds value to housing. Residents who feel integrated into their communities are more likely to renew their leases, which saves you time and bolsters your bottom line.

The suggestions below can help residents feel welcomed and supported during difficult times. They show that you care because you do care! As a bonus, your efforts will not go unnoticed when it’s time to renew the lease. Resident retention improves your net operating income while giving you warm, fuzzy feelings for the holidays!

Read how you can promote resident retention through culture and branding.

Encourage residents to move with you to address the symptoms of stress, depression and loneliness

Consider hosting group fitness classes and wellness events at your property. Physical movement releases feel-good hormones called endorphins. Endorphins interact with the brain receptors that decrease the reception of discomfort. They also reduce the stress hormone cortisol. Certain types of movement can also soothe the nervous system.

For indoor options, restorative yoga, yin yoga, tai chi and qigong are methods of movement that activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This system of the body promotes physical and mental recovery, healthy digestion and helps the body to relax.

(As the nation continues to navigate the pandemic, some residents may not be comfortable in indoor group activities. Consider setting up a camera on the instructor so that they can lead both virtual and in-person options for classes.)

When the weather is nice, consider group activities outdoors. It could be as simple as a coordinated walk around the neighborhood or carpooling to a local park. Aim for activities that can accommodate people of different athletic abilities.

When hosting your indoor or outdoor events, encourage residents to sign-up via your online concierge to manage attendance.

Laughter is still the best medicine

Laughter is a powerful tool. Per research by the Mayo Clinic, laughter activates our stress responses and then effectively decreases our heart rate and blood pressure. As a result, a good laugh makes us feel more at ease afterward.

Additionally, laughter promotes muscle relaxation, improves circulation and releases endorphins in the body. By combating those stress symptoms, humor can help to lift our mood and outlook.

But the benefits don’t stop there. Long-term, laughter can improve your immunity and mental health: “Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. By contrast, positive thoughts can actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses.”

So how can you help residents laugh more? Consider hosting an amateur comedy night or host a comedian in your community space. You could also combine movement and laughter with field games or game nights.

Read how you can manage all group activities and amenity reservations from a single dashboard.

Gift exchanges bring everyone together

Fend off feelings of isolation with a holiday gift exchange. It’s an easy way to build a sense of community and help all residents feel the joy of giving and receiving.

It could also be a great idea to include surprise gifts for vulnerable community members. Encourage residents to contribute gifts or monetary donations to support their fellow residents. Acts of compassion activate feel good hormones for both the giver and the receiver!

Helpful online resources

Yardi is a proud sponsor of the Mental Health Resource Library. The library consists of videos, articles and other helpful tools to help renters navigate difficult times. All resources are free for you and your residents.

When we prioritize resident wellness, residents feel good in their homes. It’s a subtle yet effective way to build loyalty and retention.