Do I expect too much? I’m beginning to think this is true
and it’s a problem I should get a handle on. Here’s the thing: I see a lot of
onsite teams trying to get it together and make it all happen so that move ins
can occur on time, work orders are completed in a timely fashion and the
property overall is maintained beautifully. When that doesn’t happen, it’s my
job to figure out why there is onsite turmoil.
Frankly, I’m tired of hearing from Maintenance Techs that
their pay is too low. “Give me a raise and I’ll work harder.” Or, “Pay me what
I’m worth and I can step in and handle that project. You won’t have to hire a
contractor.” This banter is what I am having trouble wrapping my head around so
I can sympathize.
Corporate level leaders usually follow that philosophy with,
“You knew what the pay was when you signed your Offer Letter. How do you come
back six months later demanding more pay?”
Maintenance techs are worth every penny they are paid. More
and more companies are looking to hire techs who have certifications in Pool
Operations, HVAC, who also have detailed plumbing skills who can install shut
off valves for buildings and, can solve drainage issues, can repair drywall …
Honestly, that list is even more extensive. So, WILL OFFERING $4.00 MORE AN HOUR OVER THE GOING MARKET SALARY IN YOUR
AREA ENSURE YOU HAVE LOYALTY AND A GREAT NEW EMPLOYEE?
Nope, it sure doesn’t.
As a property manager, how many times has a tech or
supervisor walked in, laid his/her keys on the desk and walked away? From what
I hear from Property Managers all over the country, pay might be the least of
it. What I hear is Techs, Managers, Leasing Consultants stating they quit
because of the workload and not enough company resources to pay for supplies,
marketing materials, and lack of respect by upper management or having a
too-demanding boss.
I call bullsh*t.
I love maintenance techs, so do not misunderstand the
message I’m trying to make. Techs are the most important role onsite, in my
opinion. Without them the property will not function or thrive. However, do not
overinflate your skill level, your customer service skills, and/or your ability
to do the detail work. Stop turning units where you don’t install a new tub drain
cover or pop assembly that are completely rusted. Stop walking out of a unit
knowing you just tweaked the issue so it will last one more day or week or
month knowing the resident will call back eventually. Fix it right the first
time. Don’t skip over one work order because it “looks hard.” And, please, do
not turn in a work order as Complete when it is not (because you “think” you
did that one but can’t really remember because you lost the actual work order.)
It makes the whole team look incompetent and untrustworthy.
Because our Maintenance Teams are so important, I see a lot
of egos, either, over-inflated and cocky, or feeling defeated from lack of
recognition. Managers, how do you handle this? Until the last couple of years,
I had never seen such detached maintenance techs who ignore what a Manager will
ask be done and go off on their own agenda. What happened to the team concept? What happened to Morning Meetings
(15 minutes) to discuss the Plan for the Day? What happened to the “Go Get ‘em”
attitudes?
It’s a lot better onsite when everyone looks out for each
other and there is no us against them and us against the Residents
philosophical approach to property management. Just wondering how we get there
again.
