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The holiday season can be a double-edged sword for commercial real estate (CRE) property managers. On one hand, it’s a festive time when staff and tenants alike deserve a break. On the other hand, reduced occupancy, seasonal closures, and unexpected maintenance emergencies can put pressure on already lean teams. Successfully navigating these weeks requires strategic planning to maintain property operations without overstaffing or burning out your team. Understanding the CRE Staffing Challenge Low-occupancy weeks around holidays often mean: Fewer tenants in offices, retail centers, or industrial spaces Reduced service requests, but occasional urgent maintenance needs Higher likelihood of absenteeism due to staff vacations Critical systems (HVAC, security, plumbing) that cannot pause Without proactive planning, these factors can lead to delayed responses, unhappy tenants, and increased costs. Proactive Planning 1. Plan Ahead With a Skeleton Crew in Mind: Identify the minimum staff required to maintain essential operations. For most CRE properties, this includes: Security personnel or front-desk staff Core maintenance staff capable of handling urgent repairs Property management oversight for emergencies and tenant communications Creating a formal skeleton crew schedule helps everyone understand expectations and avoids last-minute staffing scrambles. 2. Leverage On-Demand or Temporary Staff: Seasonal low-occupancy weeks are ideal for supplementing your core team with flexible, temporary staff . On-demand professionals can: Fill gaps during unexpected absences Support maintenance tasks or front-desk coverage Reduce overtime for full-time employees Working with a staffing partner allows you to scale up or down quickly without long-term commitments. 3. Communicate Early and Clearly: Transparent communication is critical for both staff and tenants: Share holiday schedules with tenants in advance to set service expectations Notify staff of required shifts and on-call rotations well before the season Provide clear instructions for emergency procedures Early communication reduces confusion and ensures coverage during key operational windows. 4. Prioritize Maintenance and Inspections: Before a holiday shutdown, conduct proactive inspections of: HVAC and electrical systems Plumbing and fire safety equipment Security systems Addressing potential issues ahead of time minimizes emergency calls during low-occupancy periods. 5. Use Technology to Stay Connected: Even with a reduced team, technology can help maintain operations: Remote monitoring for building systems and alarms Automated work-order tracking for maintenance requests Digital communication platforms for staff coordination Smart tech reduces the need for large crews while ensuring property safety and tenant satisfaction. 6. Evaluate and Adjust for Future Seasons: After the holidays, review your staffing performance: Which coverage strategies worked well? Were there any service gaps or emergencies that could have been avoided? How did temporary staffing impact cost and efficiency? Use these insights to refine your holiday staffing plan year over year. Be Proactive This Holiday Season Holiday shutdowns don’t have to mean chaos or overworked staff. By combining skeleton crews, on-demand staffing, proactive maintenance, and technology, CRE managers can maintain operational excellence even during low-occupancy weeks. Strategic planning not only keeps tenants happy but also ensures a smoother, more predictable holiday season for your team. If you need flexible coverage, skilled maintenance support, or dependable front-desk and security staffing, BGSF is here to help. Our CRE workforce solutions scale to your seasonal needs, keeping your buildings safe, your operations smooth, and your tenants supported. Connect with BGSF today to build the right holiday staffing plan for your portfolio.

When most people think about job hunting, January and “New Year, New You” come to mind. But savvy job seekers know that December can actually be one of the best months to make a move (and it’s not just because there’s less competition). Here’s why you shouldn’t wait until January to start your job search. The December Job Hunt 1. Less Competition, More Attention Many candidates put their job searches on hold during the holiday season. That means fewer resumes in recruiters’ inboxes and less noise in applicant tracking systems. When you apply in December, your application can stand out and attract more attention than it would in the post-holiday surge. 2. Budgets and Hiring Plans Are Fresh Companies often know their budgets for the upcoming year by December. This is the time when hiring managers are finalizing headcount, planning projects, and lining up roles they need to fill in the new year. Being proactive now can put you at the top of the list for positions that officially open in January. 3. Decision-Makers Are Available While December has its share of holidays and vacations, many key decision-makers are still in the office. With fewer meetings and slower operational days, managers may have more time to review applications, schedule interviews, and make hiring decisions. 4. Demonstrate Initiative Starting your search in December shows drive, organization, and foresight. Employers notice candidates who don’t wait for the “perfect” time to pursue opportunities. They notice people who take action and plan ahead. 5. Networking Opportunities Abound Holiday parties, end-of-year meetings, and industry events can provide unique networking chances. Whether it’s a virtual event, a community gathering, or a casual coffee chat, December’s festive season can help you connect with potential employers in a more relaxed setting. 6. Start the New Year Ahead By the time January arrives, you could already have interviews lined up or even a new role secured. While others are just starting their job search, you’ll be ahead, giving you a significant advantage in negotiating offers and timing your transition. Tips to Make the Most of the Month Update your resume and LinkedIn:  Make sure your materials reflect your latest skills and achievements.  Leverage your network:  Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts before the holiday slowdown hits full force.  Be strategic about timing:  Avoid the week of major holidays, but the early and mid-December window can be surprisingly effective.  Stay organized:  Track applications, interviews, and follow-ups so nothing slips through the cracks during a busy month.  Seize the December Advantage December isn’t a slow month; it’s a strategic one. By starting your job search now , you beat the post-holiday rush, get noticed by key decision-makers, and position yourself ahead of the competition. The candidates who act while others wait will ring in the New Year with momentum, opportunities, and possibly even a new role already in hand. Don’t wait! Make December the month that jumpstarts your career.

ESG is becoming a critical factor for both multifamily owners and operators. Residents expect healthier, lower-cost homes; investors seek resilient, lower-risk assets; and regulators and corporate buyers are demanding greater transparency. In 2026, properties that can credibly demonstrate ESG performance will stand out with higher occupancy, rent premiums, and reduced regulatory and financing risks. Explore why ESG matters for multifamily  now more than ever, how PropTech makes ESG measurable and scalable, and an actionable roadmap that you can start using today. Why ESG Matters for Multifamily in 2026 Investor and capital pressure:  Institutional investors and limited partners are increasingly demanding ESG evidence as it affects access to capital and deal pricing. Properties with demonstrable ESG wins often see higher occupancy and better operating margins. Resident demand and retention:   Surveys show that many renters value sustainability  and are willing to pay more for green, healthy buildings. That translates into lower turnover and stronger NOI. Regulatory & disclosure environment:  While the federal SEC climate disclosure rule faced litigation and shifting enforcement in 2025, the broader trend is clear: expect continued pressure for climate-related disclosure, and for private companies to prepare for more stringent reporting from lenders, buyers, or public partners. How Proptech Closes the Gap Between ESG Intention and ESG Impact PropTech turns ESG from an aspiration into measurable action. Below are the primary PropTech categories that deliver the biggest, measurable ESG wins for multifamily: Energy management & building optimization: Smart meters, submetering, and building energy management systems (BEMS)  reduce consumption and utility costs  through automated control, demand response, and analytics-driven HVAC/lighting optimization. These systems produce the data you need for Scope 1/2 reductions and resident-level insights. Predictive maintenance & asset performance: IoT sensors and predictive analytics prevent failures, extend equipment life, and reduce emergency repairs, which in turn lowers material waste and replacement costs. Predictive maintenance also reduces operational energy waste from underperforming equipment. Water management & leakage detection: Automated leak-detection and smart irrigation systems cut water waste and mitigate costly damage and insurance claims, resulting in a direct environmental and financial benefit in water-stressed markets.  Resident experience & social (S) solutions: Platforms that handle resident communications, community programming, and service transparency improve retention and measure social outcomes (resident satisfaction, accessibility, and community engagement). These are central to the “S” in ESG.   Data, reporting & compliance platforms: ESG data platforms integrate energy, water, waste, maintenance, and resident metrics so you can build investor-grade reports, track KPIs, and prepare disclosures, even as rules and LP expectations continue to evolve. Real-World ROI: Why PropTech is an ESG investment Lower operating costs:  Energy-efficient upgrades and optimized systems reduce utility bills and operating expenses , often paying back tech investments faster than a traditional capital project. Revenue upside:   ESG-savvy properties can command higher rents and experience lower vacancy/turnover because they better match resident preferences. Access to capital & better terms:  Funds and institutional buyers increasingly price ESG into offers . Properties that can show verifiable ESG metrics are less likely to be penalized in financing or acquisition pricing. ESG + PropTech Starter Roadmap for 2026 Baseline the data : Install submeters and utility-monitoring where gaps exist. You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Prioritize high-impact buildings and systems : Start with HVAC, water, and common-area lighting where ROI is fastest . Adopt common KPIs : Energy intensity (kBtu/sf), water use per unit, GHG scope 1/2 (as applicable), resident satisfaction scores, and maintenance response times. Standardize how you capture and present these. Layer analytics & automation : Use BEMS + predictive maintenance to turn raw meters and sensors into action. Pilot, measure, scale : Run 3–6 month pilots , validate savings and resident feedback, then roll successful tech across clusters or portfolios. Prepare investor-grade reporting : Use an ESG data platform to assemble portfolio-level dashboards and disclosures for lenders, LPs, and buyers. Final Call-To-Action: What to Do in the Next 90 Days Run an ESG data audit : Where are your meters? What data can you access today?  Pick one low-hanging fruit (lighting retrofits, smart thermostats, submetering) and scope a 90-day pilot. Identify an ESG reporting template you’ll use for investors and lenders, then align sensors and PropTech to feed it. PropTech adoption is both a vendor choice and an operational shift. Many owners pair technology vendors with external staffing support  to execute rollouts, resident engagement, and ongoing operations.  PropTech can turn your ESG goals into real-world results, including reduced costs, better resident experiences, and stronger access to capital. Remember to begin with clear data, focus on the systems that move the needle most, pilot before you scale, and find the right partner for the journey. With the right roadmap, your 2026 portfolio can be measurably stronger for residents, investors, and the planet.

Winter brings festive energy, cooler temperatures, and increased resident activity indoors. But it also ushers in elevated risks for multifamily communities. Heating systems work overtime, holiday décor creates an added electrical load, and severe weather can disrupt essential systems. For property managers, this season calls for heightened vigilance, proactive planning, and strategic fire watch support when needed. Below are practical, timely strategies to keep residents safe, protect assets, and ensure your teams are fully prepared for winter’s unique challenges. Why Winter Heightens Fire Risks in Multifamily Communities While fire risks exist year-round, several winter factors amplify potential hazards: Increased heating system usage  More residents are cooking indoors and hosting gatherings  Holiday lighting and décor  Portable heaters and extension cords  Fire alarms or sprinkler systems stressed by cold weather or pipe issues  Greater electrical demand across units  Due to these combined risks, many communities experience higher incident rates from December to February, making fire watch readiness crucial. What Is Fire Watch and When Is It Required? Fire watch is a temporary safety measure used when fire protection systems are impaired or offline. It requires trained personnel to monitor the property continuously to identify hazards, ensure resident safety, and alert emergency services if needed. Common times fire watch is required: During fire alarm or sprinkler outages After burst pipes or winter storms compromise systems When construction or repairs disable fire equipment When heating, electrical, or boiler issues pose a heightened risk Failing to follow fire watch protocols can lead to fines, legal exposure, or unsafe conditions. Being prepared with the right plan and the right temporary staff keeps your property compliant and protected. Winter Safety Risks Every Property Manager Should Prepare For Frozen or Burst Pipes: Cold snaps put plumbing infrastructure at risk. Prepare by: Ensuring insulation is intact Monitoring vacant units Scheduling preventive maintenance Communicating freeze warnings to residents Heating System Failures: Overworked boilers and HVAC units can cause outages or safety hazards. Conduct annual winter inspections Identify aging equipment early Keep emergency heating protocols on hand Electrical Overload: Holiday lights and heaters can tax electrical systems. Encourage residents to avoid overloading outlets Test backup generators Inspect exterior lighting Snow and Ice Hazards: Sidewalks, entryways, roofs, and parking lots all present increased liability. Prepare snow removal teams in advance Stock de-icing materials Address roof load and drainage Access & Emergency Response Challenges: Snowstorms can delay emergency services, making internal preparedness even more important. Update evacuation plans Ensure all fire exits are clear Double-check emergency lighting and signage How to Build a Winter-Ready Fire Watch Plan A well-structured plan helps you respond quickly and confidently. Key steps include: Conducting a seasonal fire equipment inspection: Ensure alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, emergency lighting, and control panels are fully functional before winter peaks. Creating a rapid-response protocol: Document the steps to follow when systems fail, including who to call, where to deploy staff, how to communicate with residents, and timelines for repair. Training onsite and temporary staff: Everyone, from maintenance techs to leasing teams, should understand basic fire watch duties and when to elevate concerns. Establishing a vendor and staffing partner: When outages occur, you need trained fire watch personnel immediately. Pre-planning ensures zero downtime. Keeping residents informed: Winter communication should include safety reminders about heating, electrical use, and what to do in an emergency. Resident Education: The Most Overlooked Winter Safety Tool Small actions from residents can significantly reduce winter fire hazards. Consider sharing reminders about: Safe space heater usage Proper candle and holiday lighting practices Avoiding overloaded power strips Reporting maintenance concerns early Keeping hallways and exits clear Following all freeze-prevention instructions Proactive education not only prevents incidents but also builds trust and strengthens community engagement. How BGSF Supports Fire Watch & Winter Safety Fire watch needs often happen without warning, and winter amplifies those moments. BGSF provides: Trained Fire Watch Personnel Available Fast: Whether your systems are offline due to cold weather, repairs, or an unexpected outage, BGSF can deploy qualified personnel to maintain compliance and keep residents safe. Winter-Ready Maintenance Talent: From emergency repairs to ongoing seasonal maintenance, our skilled technicians help properties stay fully operational. On-Demand Support for Seasonal Workloads: Sick leave, PTO, holiday travel, and severe weather can strain your core staff. We provide flexible workforce support to ensure coverage and continuity all winter long. External Staffing Support for Peak Needs: When winter demands surge—or fire watch protocols trigger—BGSF is your trusted partner for rapid, reliable staffing solutions. Staying Ahead of Winter Risks Protects People, Property, and Reputation Winter may be unpredictable, but your strategy doesn’t have to be. By preparing early, establishing a clear fire watch plan, and partnering with trusted staffing experts, multifamily properties can protect their communities and maintain smooth operations all season long. If you're ready to strengthen your winter safety plan—or need fire watch staffing now—BGSF is here to help. Contact us today!

2025 was a defining year for finance and accounting teams. Market volatility, shifting regulatory expectations, and rapid advances in AI forced organizations to rethink long-standing processes and modernize faster than planned. As we approach 2026, leaders across industries are already asking the same question: What did 2025 teach us and how do we apply those lessons now? Below are the key takeaways that shaped financial operations this year, along with practical strategies businesses can use to strengthen stability, compliance, and performance in the year ahead. Financial Lessons from 2025 1. Financial Risk Became More Real-Time and More Complex Markets moved faster in 2025 than many organizations were prepared for. Interest rate unpredictability, supply chain disruptions, and extreme weather events placed pressure on cash flow, forecasting accuracy, and operational resilience. What we learned: Static annual or quarterly forecasting is no longer enough. Scenario modeling is becoming a core competency for finance teams. Companies with real-time visibility into working capital made stronger decisions during volatility. What to do next: Adopt rolling forecasts and near-real-time financial dashboards. Strengthen risk frameworks to account for operational risks, not just financial ones. Lean on external staffing support during peak reconciliation or forecasting cycles to avoid burnout and maintain execution quality. 2. Regulation Tightened, Especially Around ESG and Data Governance Regulators in North America accelerated efforts to standardize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting while also increasing scrutiny on data accuracy and internal controls. Key regulatory themes from 2025: ESG disclosures moved from “nice to have” to “expected,” especially for organizations with large real estate, supply chain, or global footprints. Data protection and audit trails became central to compliance, not just security. Internal controls were tested at a higher level, particularly for companies undergoing technology transformations. What we learned: Organizations that waited to react were forced into expensive last-minute scrambles. Those that invested early in data cleanliness and governance had smoother audits and avoided compliance gaps. What to do next: Prioritize centralized data governance to support both ESG and financial reporting. Build compliance-readiness into every technology project. Use interim accounting and audit talent to support year-end testing, documentation, and implementation. 3. AI Adoption Accelerated, But Not Evenly If 2024 was the year of AI excitement, 2025 was the year of AI pressure. CFOs, controllers, and audit leaders all faced the expectation to modernize while simultaneously navigating concerns around accuracy, transparency, and job disruption. What we learned: Early adopters gained productivity quickly, especially in reconciliations, data entry, and reporting preparation. Many organizations struggled to distinguish between AI hype and operational value. AI governance became just as important as AI tools. Winning strategies that emerged: Start small with high-volume, rule-based processes. Prioritize human-in-the-loop oversight. Connect your AI roadmap to actual business outcomes, not trend-driven adoption. Use project-based or fractional experts to fill AI-related skill gaps during transitions. 4. Finance Talent Needs Shifted—And Skills Gaps Widened With risk, regulation, and AI in motion simultaneously, finance teams experienced one of the fastest competency shifts in years. What we learned: Financial analysts needed stronger data storytelling skills. Accounting teams needed both technical depth and digital fluency. Cross-functional collaboration became essential in implementing AI, ESG reporting tools, and modern ERP systems. But 2025 also exposed a persistent challenge: many organizations lacked the specialized talent to keep up. What to do next: Upskill teams around analytics tools, ESG data requirements, and AI-assisted workflows. Reevaluate job roles. Many finance positions now require both accounting fundamentals and systems expertise. Engage external experts to bridge role gaps during system upgrades, audit pressures, or regulatory shifts. 5. Organizations That Invested Early in Modernization Saw the Best Outcomes Across industries, a clear pattern emerged: companies that modernized earlier, implementing AI, improving governance, strengthening controls, and developing adaptable staffing strategies, navigated 2025 more smoothly. Top-performing organizations: Used AI to reduce manual workload and refocus staff on higher-value analysis. Built flexible workforce models to respond quickly to market and regulatory changes. Strengthened financial visibility for faster, more informed decisions. Those who waited paid more in the long run, through compliance issues, slower closes, greater overtime, and stalled transformation programs. Proactive Financial Resilience 2025 reminded us that financial resilience isn’t built on reacting; it’s built on preparing. Organizations that invested in stronger data foundations, adaptable processes, and the right mix of human expertise and technology were the ones able to navigate uncertainty with confidence. As 2026 approaches, the leaders who will excel are those who stay proactive, embrace innovation responsibly, and ensure their teams have the support they need to execute. BGSF Professional Services is becoming INSPYR Solutions: We provide flexible, on-demand finance and accounting expertise to help you enter 2026 with a clear financial foundation. Contact us today!

The holiday season is one of the most joyful and operationally complex times of the year for multifamily communities. Package volume skyrockets, guest traffic increases, maintenance requests shift with cold-weather needs, and residents expect elevated service as they host friends and family. Concierge services play a crucial role in keeping everything running smoothly while enhancing the resident experience when it matters most. Here’s how thoughtful concierge support can transform the holidays for both residents and onsite teams. Holiday Concierge Services 1. Managing the Package Surge With Ease Between Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and peak December gifting, package rooms hit capacity fast. A well-prepared concierge team can make or break the flow of deliveries this time of year. Holiday concierge services help by: Coordinating delivery schedules and overflow storage Preventing package pile-ups and misplaced deliveries Offering extended hours for resident pickups Using smarter labeling and tracking systems Communicating reminders about pick-ups and package policies When residents know their deliveries are secure and accessible, it builds trust and reduces the pressure on leasing and maintenance teams. 2. Creating a Warm, Welcoming Environment for Holiday Guests With resident gatherings and family visits increasing, concierge staff serve as the first impression of your property. They can support by: Greeting guests and verifying visitor access Helping residents book amenities like clubhouses or guest suites Offering directions, parking guidance, or community information Supporting resident events and holiday programming This touchpoint elevates the overall community feel and reduces interruptions for your core site team. 3. Supporting Safety, Security & Seasonal Protocols The holidays come with increased foot traffic and unusual activity patterns, making security awareness essential. Concierge personnel help maintain seasonal safety by: Monitoring and documenting visitor logs Keeping common areas tidy and hazard-free Reporting unusual activity quickly Supporting fire-watch or emergency protocols when needed Ensuring deliveries don’t block exits or hallways With the right staffing structure, concierge support becomes an extra layer of protection for residents and staff alike. 4. Reducing Burnout for Onsite Teams Year-end is already one of the busiest periods for property teams, when budgeting, renewals, scheduling, and maintenance planning all collide. Concierge services help teams breathe easier by: Taking on time-consuming front-desk tasks Fielding common resident questions Assisting with administrative overflow Supporting amenity management and traffic control Freeing maintenance techs to focus on priority work orders A lighter workload means teams can provide better service and stay energized through December. 5. Elevating the Resident Experience When It Counts Most Concierge support goes beyond logistics. It creates moments that make a community feel like home. Holiday concierge teams may offer: Seasonal greetings or small gifts Support for resident holiday events and gift wrapping Help coordinate transportation or rideshare access Assistance with moving items, setting up for gatherings, or welcoming visitors Elevated service during a sentimental season deepens resident satisfaction and loyalty. Elevate Your Holiday Operations With the Right Support The holidays shouldn’t feel overwhelming for your property team or your residents. With the right concierge staffing in place, communities can navigate increased traffic, heavier package volume, and elevated resident expectations with confidence and ease. Thoughtful, reliable concierge support enhances safety, reduces stress, and delivers the warm, high-touch service residents value most during the season. BGSF is here to make that happen. Whether you need short-term coverage for peak weeks or ongoing support to strengthen your front-of-house operations, our skilled professionals help you stay fully staffed, fully prepared, and fully focused on what matters most: an exceptional resident experience. Let’s ensure your community shines brighter than ever this holiday season. Contact us today.

As the 2025 holiday season ramps up, one trend is dominating workforce conversations: seasonal hiring is unusually weak across the U.S. According to recent reporting from The Washington Post , employers across multiple industries are scaling back holiday hiring plans in response to softened demand, tighter budgets, and a continued push toward operational efficiency. And property management teams are feeling it too. To understand how the industry is responding, we launched a LinkedIn poll asking: Why Seasonal Hiring Is Down: The Industry Pressures Behind the Trend Budget tightening and rising costs: Many property teams are facing the familiar year-end squeeze, including rising operating costs, deferred maintenance, and limited payroll flexibility. More efficient teams — out of necessity: With labor shortages lingering from previous years, teams have already learned to operate lean. Now, the lean model is becoming the new normal. Cross-training is becoming a preferred strategy: Instead of bringing in short-term help, properties are investing in making core team members more versatile, especially in maintenance, concierge, and leasing support roles. The shift toward digital tools: Self-service resident portals, AI-led communications, and mobile maintenance workflows are reducing the need for large seasonal surges. What This Means for Property Management Teams Even if seasonal hiring is down, the workload isn’t. Holiday package volume, maintenance requests, move-ins/outs, fire watch needs, year-end reporting, and resident events still pile up. This creates a new challenge: How do you maintain service standards with fewer hands on deck? Teams are responding in three key ways: Smarter staffing models: Instead of short-term seasonal workers, teams are opting for as-needed, flexible workers who can support targeted tasks like turns, leasing tours, admin support, or maintenance backlogs. Proactive cross-training: More property leaders are scheduling team-wide cross-training in mid-Q4 so they’re prepared before holiday PTO spikes. External workforce support: Many properties are partnering with staffing and workforce solutions providers  to fill roles quickly without committing to long-term payroll increases. Poll Insight: The Industry Is Adapting — and Watching What Happens Next This poll shows a clear directional shift: leaner, more agile end-of-year teams. The industry is moving away from large seasonal hiring pushes and toward flexible, skill-based staffing strategies. As we head into December, property professionals are being asked to do more with less. But with smart planning, cross-trained teams, and the right external support, properties can still deliver a great resident experience, even during the busiest time of year.

As the year winds down and the holiday season approaches, many organizations shift their focus toward reflecting on achievements and celebrating successes. Yet, one of the most valuable assets in any business often goes underrecognized: the people who make it all possible. Why Appreciation Matters Employees who feel valued are more likely to stay motivated, engaged, and committed to the organization. According to recent studies, recognition is one of the top factors influencing job satisfaction. In an era where talent is hard to attract and retain, showing genuine appreciation can make a meaningful difference in your workplace culture. Recognition also drives performance. When employees understand that their contributions matter, they’re more likely to go above and beyond, support colleagues, and contribute to a positive team dynamic. Creative Ways to Show Appreciation to Your Team 1. Personal Recognition A personalized thank-you note, shout-out in a team meeting, or a public acknowledgment of a job well done goes a long way. Tailoring your recognition to an individual’s contribution shows that you notice and value their unique efforts. 2. Celebrate Milestones Whether it’s a work anniversary, completing a major project, or hitting a target, celebrating milestones reinforces the message that achievements are appreciated. Team lunches, small celebrations, or personalized gifts can make these moments memorable. 3. Professional Development Opportunities Investing in your employees’ growth demonstrates that you value their long-term success. Offering training , certifications, or mentoring programs shows your team that you care about their future as much as the present. 4. Flexible Work and Perks Sometimes appreciation comes in the form of trust and flexibility. Offering remote options, adjusted schedules, or wellness perks can significantly boost morale, showing your team that you recognize their need for work-life balance. 5. Peer-to-Peer Recognition Encourage team members to recognize each other’s contributions. Platforms or programs that allow colleagues to give shout-outs or awards can foster camaraderie and highlight achievements that management might not always see. Leading with Gratitude Showing appreciation should be consistent, not just seasonal. When leaders make gratitude a regular part of the organizational culture, it trickles down throughout the team, creating a more engaged, motivated, and loyal workforce. A simple “thank you” can transform workplace dynamics. When paired with meaningful gestures, it can enhance employee satisfaction, strengthen retention, and create an environment where people are excited to contribute their best work. As we approach the end of the year, take a moment to recognize the talent around you. Send a note, offer a small gift, or organize a team celebration. Every gesture counts, and your team will notice. Looking to strengthen your team with talent that thrives in a culture of appreciation? Partner with BGSF for flexible staffing solutions that bring the right people to the right roles, while you focus on recognizing and growing the talent you already have.

The holiday season is an exciting time for residents, but it’s also one of the busiest for property managers. Increased package deliveries, higher foot traffic, and elevated maintenance requests can put your staff under immense pressure. Without the right preparation, these seasonal spikes can affect resident satisfaction and operational efficiency. That’s where flexible staffing comes in. By adjusting your workforce to meet seasonal demands, you can maintain a smooth, stress-free experience for your residents while protecting your team from burnout. The Holiday Surge: What Property Managers Face During the holidays, properties experience a surge in activity across multiple fronts: Package volume spikes : With online shopping at an all-time high, package rooms and front desks are inundated. Delayed deliveries or misplaced packages can quickly frustrate residents.  Increased foot traffic and requests : Visitors, deliveries, and temporary residents increase the demand on your staff. Routine tasks may take longer, and response times can slip.  Elevated maintenance needs : Cold weather, seasonal decorations, and heavier usage of communal spaces often lead to more maintenance calls.  These factors can overwhelm core teams, creating a ripple effect that impacts the resident experience. Flexible Staffing: A Solution That Protects the Resident Experience Flexible staffing allows property managers to strategically add temporary support where and when it’s needed most. Here’s how it works: Data-driven forecasting : By analyzing historical trends, property managers can predict periods of high package deliveries, leasing inquiries, or maintenance requests.  On-demand staff deployment : Temporary staff or cross-trained employees can be brought in for peak periods, ensuring essential operations remain uninterrupted.  Role-specific support : From package handlers and leasing assistants to maintenance techs, flexible staffing fills gaps without overburdening your permanent team.  This approach ensures residents experience the same level of service they expect year-round, even during the busiest season. Benefits Beyond the Holidays Flexible staffing isn’t just a short-term fix; it can have lasting benefits: Improved resident satisfaction : Timely responses to packages, maintenance requests, and leasing inquiries strengthen resident trust and loyalty.  Reduced burnout : Core staff can focus on critical tasks without being stretched thin.  Operational resilience : Your property is better equipped to handle unexpected surges, from weather events to last-minute leasing rushes.  Preparing for Peak Season To maximize the benefits of flexible staffing, consider these best practices: Start early : Analyze last year’s holiday trends and plan your staffing needs in advance.  Train strategically : Ensure temporary staff are familiar with your property’s systems, policies, and service expectations.  Monitor in real time : Track package volumes, maintenance requests, and front desk traffic to deploy staff where they’re needed most.  Plans for a Happy Holiday The holiday season brings excitement, but also unique challenges for property managers. By leveraging flexible staffing, you can meet these challenges head-on, protecting both your residents’ experience and your team’s well-being. After all, in a season of more packages, more people, and more pressure, the right staffing strategy ensures your residents feel valued and your operations run smoothly. Finish the year strong! BGSF delivers trained leasing, maintenance, and front-desk professionals when and where you need them. Get the coverage your properties deserve. Contact us today!

The final months of the year bring a unique set of challenges for commercial real estate (CRE) teams. Between vacation requests, seasonal traffic spikes, and year-end operational demands, keeping properties fully staffed can feel like trying to solve a moving puzzle. Yet, with proactive planning and smart workforce strategies, CRE teams can navigate this period smoothly and ensure seamless operations. A Holiday Staffing Guide for CRE Teams 1. Anticipate PTO and Leave Gaps Early Holidays, personal time off (PTO), and end-of-year vacations can create staffing gaps that disrupt property operations. Start by gathering PTO requests as early as possible. This allows managers to identify coverage shortages in advance and adjust schedules accordingly. Tip:  Consider staggering time-off requests or offering incentives for employees willing to work during peak holiday periods. This ensures essential roles, from leasing staff to maintenance teams, remain covered. 2. Identify Core vs. Flexible Roles Understanding which positions are mission-critical versus those that can flex is key. Core roles, like property managers, leasing agents, and essential maintenance staff, should always have coverage. Variable roles, such as seasonal maintenance support or temporary leasing assistants, can be filled on demand as traffic and occupancy fluctuate. Tip:  Maintain a “ready-to-deploy” roster of temporary or contract staff to fill these variable roles without overburdening your core team. 3. Leverage On-Demand Staffing Solutions Temporary staffing isn’t just for short-term projects; it’s a strategic tool for year-end readiness. CRE teams can scale staff quickly to handle holiday traffic, move-ins and move-outs, or special events. Tip:  Partner with a staffing provider familiar with CRE operations, like BGSF! We can supply trained personnel who can integrate quickly and hit the ground running. 4. Use Data to Predict Staffing Needs Historical occupancy trends, maintenance requests, and leasing activity provide a roadmap for staffing decisions. By analyzing past year-end data, teams can anticipate spikes in activity and allocate staff accordingly. Tip:  Implement scheduling tools that forecast staffing needs based on these trends, so your team isn’t reacting to crises at the last minute. 5. Communicate and Cross-Train Transparent communication with your team ensures everyone understands year-end expectations and coverage plans. Cross-training employees in multiple roles, such as leasing, administrative, or maintenance tasks, can also provide flexibility when unexpected absences occur. Tip:  Even small cross-training efforts pay off during peak holiday periods, reducing bottlenecks and keeping operations running smoothly. 6. Plan for Resident-Facing Traffic The holiday season often brings increased foot traffic, package deliveries, and service requests. Ensuring that front-desk staff, maintenance, and leasing teams are prepared for these surges prevents service delays and maintains resident satisfaction. Tip:  Temporarily augment your front-desk and maintenance teams during historically busy weeks, and consider technology solutions for package management or self-service check-ins. A Plan for Happy Holidays By planning early, leveraging on-demand staff, analyzing data, and preparing for seasonal surges, CRE teams can stay fully staffed from PTO gaps through peak holiday traffic. The result? Smooth operations, satisfied tenants, and a team that can finish the year strong without burnout. External staffing support can be a game-changer. Whether it’s filling temporary roles, cross-training, or supplementing during peak times, having a flexible workforce solution ensures your property operations stay seamless through year-end. Don’t let PTO gaps or holiday traffic slow you down. BGSF provides ready-to-deploy talent to keep your properties fully staffed and your residents supported. Let’s strategize your year-end workforce plan.

As year-end approaches, finance and accounting teams face one of their busiest and most critical times of the year. Between reconciling accounts, preparing financial statements, and finalizing budgets, it’s easy for deadlines to pile up and resources to stretch thin. The good news? You don’t have to do it all in-house. Delegating the right tasks can help your team stay accurate, compliant, and focused on what matters most: closing the year strong and setting the stage for a successful new one. Here are five key tasks you can delegate before December 31 to ensure a smooth and stress-free year-end close.   Closing the Books on 2025 1. Account Reconciliations Reconciliations are the backbone of accurate financial reporting, but they can also be time-consuming. From cash and credit card accounts to payroll and intercompany balances, delegating reconciliation work to skilled consultants or temporary professionals ensures that discrepancies are identified early and resolved efficiently. Pro tip:  Assign reconciliations by complexity. Let your core team handle high-risk accounts and delegate routine reconciliations to experienced external talent. 2. Audit Preparation Don’t wait for auditors to request documents. Get ahead by outsourcing audit prep. Temporary staff or consulting partners can help compile schedules, gather supporting documentation, and verify compliance with internal controls. This proactive step not only saves time during the audit itself but also helps prevent costly last-minute errors that can delay financial reporting. 3. Data Clean-Up and Analysis The final quarter is the perfect time to review data accuracy before rolling into a new fiscal year. Tasks like cleaning up vendor files, updating fixed asset registers, and analyzing expense categories can be easily delegated to skilled accounting professionals. A clean data set means fewer surprises in Q1 and more confidence in your year-end reporting. 4. Payroll and Benefits Reconciliation Employee compensation, bonuses, and benefits adjustments must be fully reconciled before year-end to avoid compliance issues and frustrated employees. Outsourcing this task to payroll specialists can help ensure accurate tax withholdings, benefit accruals, and reporting, all while freeing your internal HR and finance teams to focus on strategy and planning for the year ahead. 5. Budget Rollforwards and Forecasting Support Once the books are nearly closed, it’s time to look ahead. Many organizations underestimate how much effort goes into preparing for next year’s budgeting cycle. Delegating tasks like rolling forward budgets, validating forecast assumptions, and creating preliminary reports helps your leadership team make data-driven decisions faster, without overloading your core staff during an already hectic season.   Finish the Year Strong with the Right Support Closing the books doesn’t have to mean burning out your internal team. By strategically delegating time-consuming but essential year-end tasks, you can improve accuracy, reduce stress, and keep your business positioned for success in the new year. Whether you need help reconciling accounts, preparing for audits, or finalizing forecasts, partnering with experienced accounting professionals ensures nothing slips through the cracks. BGSF Professional Services is becoming INSPYR Solutions: We provide flexible, on-demand finance and accounting expertise to help you close 2025 confidently and start 2026 with a clear financial foundation. Contact us today!

Multifamily property management comes with a unique set of challenges. And while many focus on occupancy rates, rent collection, or resident satisfaction, environmental threats often fly under the radar until it’s too late. From hoarding and fentanyl contamination to Legionella outbreaks and asbestos exposure, these hazards can pose serious health and safety risks to residents and staff alike. Understanding them and preparing in advance is critical for protecting your community and your team. Top Environmental Threats to Multifamily 1. Hoarding: When Clutter Becomes a Crisis Hoarding may be considered an individual problem, but it can quickly escalate into a serious property management concern. Excessive clutter can block fire exits, attract pests, and even damage building infrastructure. Prevention & Detection: Conduct regular property inspections with sensitivity and discretion. Train staff to recognize warning signs, such as excessive items in hallways or storage areas. Staff Preparedness: Partner with social services or behavioral health professionals when addressing hoarding. Ensure your maintenance and leasing teams know how to respond safely without escalating the situation. 2. Fentanyl Contamination: Invisible Danger Fentanyl, a powerful opioid, can contaminate apartments and common areas, creating a serious health risk for staff and residents, even through accidental skin contact or inhalation. Prevention & Detection: Educate your team on the risks of opioid residue. Implement strict protocols for reporting suspicious substances. Staff Preparedness: Provide PPE (personal protective equipment) and training on safe handling. Establish clear coordination with local law enforcement and hazmat professionals for cleanup. 3. Legionella: The Waterborne Threat Legionella bacteria, responsible for Legionnaires’ disease, can thrive in building water systems, including hot tubs, cooling towers, and plumbing networks. Outbreaks can lead to severe illness and liability concerns. Prevention & Detection: Maintain routine water testing and disinfection protocols. Monitor building temperatures and plumbing systems to prevent bacterial growth. Staff Preparedness: Train maintenance staff on water system management and emergency response. Keep clear records of testing, maintenance, and corrective actions. 4. Asbestos: The Legacy Risk Older properties may still contain asbestos in insulation, flooring, or ceiling materials. Disturbing it during renovations or maintenance can release fibers that cause serious respiratory illnesses. Prevention & Detection: Conduct asbestos inspections before renovations or repairs. Identify and label all asbestos-containing materials. Staff Preparedness: Ensure maintenance staff are trained in asbestos safety. Hire certified professionals for removal or containment when needed. Taking a Proactive Approach Environmental threats can’t always be predicted, but they can be managed with foresight: Regular Inspections:  Identify hazards early, before they escalate.  Staff Training:  Equip your team with the knowledge and tools to respond safely.  Resident Education:  Encourage residents to report concerns promptly.  Emergency Protocols:  Develop clear procedures for remediation and communication.  Partnering with experienced property management staffing professionals can also provide the skilled personnel needed for hazard detection, remediation, and day-to-day maintenance support. With the right team in place, your property can remain safe, compliant, and ready for any unexpected challenge. Uncovering Hidden Hazards Hidden hazards like hoarding, fentanyl contamination, Legionella, and asbestos may not always be visible, but their impact can be significant. Proactive prevention, thorough detection, and prepared staff are your best defense in safeguarding residents and property alike. By addressing these risks head-on, property managers can ensure a healthier, safer community for everyone. Protecting your properties starts with having the right people on your team. BGSF provides skilled, trained professionals who understand the unique demands of multifamily environments, from maintenance to ongoing property support. Whether you need temporary help, project-based staff, or long-term talent solutions, we’re here to help you safeguard your community. Partner with BGSF today and ensure your property is prepared for anything.