The Human Side of CRE: Why Staffing and Skilled Teams Matter More Than Ever
- bberrodin
- Sep 24
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 25
Commercial Real Estate (CRE) is evolving at a rapid pace. From shifting tenant expectations to the rise of smart building technology, today’s property management teams are tasked with balancing efficiency, profitability, and tenant satisfaction. While digital tools and automation play a growing role, one factor remains irreplaceable: the people behind the properties.
At the heart of successful CRE property management are skilled property administrators, maintenance teams, and facilities professionals. Their expertise, responsiveness, and customer-first approach drive tenant retention, boost net operating income (NOI), and protect the long-term value of assets.
The Human Side of CRE
Skilled Property Administrators: The Tenant Relationship Builders
Administrators are often the first point of contact for tenants and prospects. Skilled property administrators:
Understand market trends and can position properties competitively.
Build trust with tenants, ensuring smooth lease negotiations and renewals.
Act as brand ambassadors, creating a positive first impression that sets the tone for the tenant experience.
In today’s competitive CRE market, tenant experience is a differentiator. Property Administrators with strong communication and relationship skills make all the difference in attracting and retaining quality tenants.
Maintenance Teams: Protecting Property Value and Tenant Satisfaction
Few things impact tenant satisfaction more directly than the condition of a property. Responsive and skilled maintenance teams:
Handle issues quickly, reducing downtime for tenants.
Perform preventative maintenance that protects the property and reduces long-term costs.
Create a safe, functional environment that supports tenant productivity.
When maintenance teams are under-resourced, small problems can escalate into costly issues, from equipment failures to tenant dissatisfaction. Investing in skilled maintenance professionals is an investment in asset value and NOI.
Facilities Professionals: The Operational Backbone
Facilities teams are responsible for ensuring day-to-day operations run seamlessly. They manage building systems, vendor relationships, safety protocols, and sustainability initiatives. A strong facilities team can:
Optimize energy usage and reduce operating expenses.
Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
Provide stability during times of transition or disruption.
With ESG and sustainability taking center stage in CRE, facilities professionals also play a critical role in meeting green building standards and reporting requirements.
Why the Human Side Matters More Than Ever
Technology has transformed property management, streamlining processes and improving efficiency, but it can never replace the intuition, communication, and adaptability that skilled teams bring to the table. People foster tenant loyalty in ways that apps and automation simply cannot, while also tackling complex, human-driven challenges with speed and effectiveness. They provide the trust and personalization that build lasting relationships and drive long-term success. In today’s increasingly competitive CRE landscape, organizations that prioritize investing in strong, skilled teams will be the ones best positioned to thrive.
At BGSF, we understand that people are the key to successful property management. We provide skilled administrators, maintenance technicians, and facilities professionals who integrate seamlessly with your operations. Whether you need temporary staff to cover peak periods, specialized experts for complex projects, or long-term team members to drive growth, BGSF delivers the right talent at the right time.
Because at the end of the day, buildings don’t run themselves — people do.