Interview with Ash Jalajel and Teri Jacobs: Corporate and On-Site

Ash Jalajel, Corporate Compliance Specialist and Teri Jacobs, Skyview Flats Community Manager

• What is the typical workday like? (e.g., hours, breaks, flexibility)

Ash: I will check in with Sandy or Kim and will work on anything from HR to Operations to Compliance. I am still learning the job right now. I don't like to take a lot of breaks. I’m busy doing my work. I will sometimes get a quick bite to eat at the deli downstairs. I love the flexibility and the hours.

Teri: I address residents' concerns first. I walk the property in the mornings. Then I review applications, input invoices, and coordinate lunches. If there is time in the day we will do outreach marketing to local businesses. We also walk units that are ready to be moved in for final checks.

• What are the expectations for collaboration and communication?

Ash: There is a lot of multitasking with this role. Which means being able to manage your time properly and communication between departments is key. Sandy is in a different time zone than us which is something I have to keep in mind for communication. There are a lot of Teams calls and emails from everyone across the company all day, including communications from prospects looking for jobs.

Teri: 8:30am-9:00am we go over the plan we have for the day at Skyview. We go over all the issues we have and the solutions for them. I also meet with maintenance in the morning and talk about what tasks need to be addressed.

• How do you foster a sense of community and belonging?

Ash: Keeping communication channels open to everyone. Greet everyone in the office and look them in the eye while talking to them. Try to be the bridge between the departments and help where I can.

Teri: We all meshed quickly at Skyview since January. I work hand in hand with Courtney, our assistant manager. Our two leasing agents are both from Honduras, they really mesh well, and work as a team. Everyone feels like they are able to ask for help and get it. There is a great sense of teamwork.

• How do you handle conflicts or issues within the team?

Ash: Be transparent and explain intent, letting them know about the issue directly. At end of the day, we are all here to do a job and help each other. I don’t look at work conflicts like conflicts but instead see them as miscommunications.

Teri: I have an open-door policy about any issue. I handle everything privately, but everyone is open to come forward to me directly.

• Are there opportunities for employee engagement and social events?

Ash: We have lunch together on Tuesday at Corporate. It helps build camaraderie. The recent wellness goal has people in the office working together to be healthy. It is fun to come together for holiday and social media pictures which leads to a more festive atmosphere. Everyone communicates very well together in the office.

Teri: We do two resident functions per month. Making sure we engage with our residents alongside with Skyview team members. The themed tables also bring the staff together creatively.

• What opportunities are available for professional development and training?

Ash: Good question. Tanya L trains with onsite staff to help ensure the processes are uniform across the board. Everyone being on the same page is very important. We started hosting leasing classes recently. I hosted one myself it was fun and energetic. I always make myself available for quick trainings or to answer any questions. I like to see people develop and be a part of it.

Teri: With Ascension there are opportunities to move up the ladder even to corporate. Training: there are plenty of people within Ascension who are willing to help any staff member for any questions. Anyone can reach out to Ash, Me, Tanya and Kim.

• What are the benefits of working on-site versus working in a corporate setting?

Ash: It’s a little more laid back in a sense where you are not getting pulled away as much to handle certain tasks. For example, if you’re on working on lease file on site, and resident comes with an issue, it can throw off your workflow. At corporate it’s a little easier to get back on track on the tasks you were doing.

Teri: I like working on site better. You get to talk to more people and meet new people every day. I do miss my corporate team though.

• How does the company support employees in transitioning between on-site and corporate roles?

Ash: They offer you a lot of training. It’s hands-on. You work with different departments, and they train on things that you need. Everyone has supported me and the nuances of my new role.

Teri: They are very supportive. You get all the info you need. I didn’t have any problem. You could go to anyone and call Kim. If you didn’t understand, people are willing to show you and teach you.