associates navigate these chal- lenges is our highest priority.” Edgewood and Vantage
added benefits to its health- care program for associ- ates who are feeling strong pandemic-based anxiety and stress, and also offered free online yoga, breathing and stretching courses to employ- ees. In addition, the company made a $100,000 donation to the Capital Area Food Bank. “Caring and flexibil-
ity have been our priorities,” Simpson says. “We’ve really had to think out of the box in terms of being flexible with previous job expectations and [in] how we move forward and continue to provide the services that our residents deserve and expect, while also keeping everyone safe. Our associates needed reassurance that they are not alone and that we will work together. I think we did that, and we will continue to support them at all levels.” Marshall and Simpson agree that in addition to specific support
programs, communication between the corporate office and on-site teams has been the key to maintaining morale during the pandemic. “The most important thing, from early on, has been com-
munication,” Marshall says. “We want our teams to know that we understand their concerns and they are top of mind for us.”
Fogelman has hosted frequent calls with its communities to discuss its global initiatives and recognize the teams’ hard work. And “between our regional vice presidents and leadership teams,” adds Marshall, “we’ve [also] made an effort to visit all of our properties in person to let them know they’re ap- preciated.” To enhance communica-
tion with its field teams after the pandemic hit, Edgewood and Vantage was quick to increase its use of virtual meetings. But those video calls between
corporate and on-site associates have taken a more personal tone in the past six months. “In the past, I don’t think that would have been quite so well-
received; there’s a level of professionalism that we have among our staff and with our business partners,” Simpson says. “But I think that during the pandemic everyone has gotten to know one another better outside of work. There are stories being told and laughs to be had, especially when kids and pets get involved in the background [on] those calls. That really elevates that mentality of, ‘We’re all in this together and we’re going to move forward to make this work.’”
Doug Pike is a staff writer with LinnellTaylor Marketing.
8 APARTMENT ADVANTAGE 31
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