How Canderel’s Employee-First Approach Elevates Property Management Service
At Canderel, we believe that delivering the highest level of service to our clients starts from within. By promoting a workplace culture that values employee satisfaction and professional growth, we ensure our team is motivated, engaged and equipped to provide exceptional service to tenants and owners alike.
As the property management industry has evolved over the years and continues to grow, so have the expectations in the workforce. Employee satisfaction is critical to delivering exceptional service in property management. Over the years, the pace has increased, and employee expectations in this sector have evolved in response to changing industry demands. Organizations are recognizing the importance of fostering a positive work environment to enhance both team performance and tenant relations.
A Workplace Culture That Drives Performance
Our approach to property management goes beyond maintaining buildings; it’s about creating environments where both our employees and clients thrive. We invest in professional development, mentorship, and internal collaboration, ensuring that our team members feel supported and empowered to bring their best to work every day. This commitment translates directly into the quality of service we provide.
Adapting to the Evolving Needs of Property Management
In an industry that is constantly evolving, we recognize that meeting the expectations of our clients requires a team that is both agile and engaged. The shift toward institutional ownership, with its heightened focus on reporting and financial requirements, has shaped the profiles of employees entering the field. The skills required—whether operational, technical, or relationship-driven—are increasingly specialized. Employees today seek recognition, career development, and clear advancement paths alongside competitive compensation. At Canderel, we prioritize these needs, understanding that employee well-being is a direct driver of the superior service we deliver to clients and tenants.
Martine Thériault, Senior Vice President of Property Management at Canderel, highlights this connection: “The expectations from the industry evolve with the type of ownership, which in turn changes the profile of the employees we have and hire. The skills they bring to the equation are more defined, whether operational, technical, administrative, or relationship management, and a greater need for recognition has emerged. Compensation is always important and at the core of employees’ expectations, but visibility and a clear career path are just as important.”
The Link Between Employee Satisfaction and Service Quality
The connection between employee satisfaction and the quality of service provided to tenants and property owners is undeniable. As Martine notes, “There is a direct correlation between the employee’s satisfaction and the level of quality of service they provide to our clients and tenants.” When employees feel respected and supported, they are more motivated to go the extra mile, resulting in better service, stronger tenant relationships, and more efficient operations. At Canderel, we cultivate a culture of recognition and professional growth to ensure our employees remain engaged and committed to delivering exceptional service to clients.
Creating a Supportive Work Environment
Canderel goes beyond traditional benefits to enhance employee well-being. Flexible work arrangements, wellness days, and an inclusive company culture help our employees maintain a healthy work-life balance while staying productive. “The flexibility in their schedule, the ability to work from home when needed—especially for tasks that require concentration—snacks, and wellness days are some of the perks that are now expected,” Martine explains. These initiatives reflect our commitment to ensuring employees feel valued and motivated.
These initiatives are part of a broader culture of support, where employees are not only seen as workers but as individuals with unique needs. This commitment to employee well-being has helped Cnaderel create a positive, productive environment where employees feel valued and motivated.
Empowering Employees Through Leadership
Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping a culture of employee satisfaction. Martine’s leadership approach emphasizes inclusiveness and open communication, ensuring that all employees feel heard. “Feeling seen and part of the success of the company is important to the team. Having a voice is important”, she says. “I always try to give people a voice, no matter what. For instance, when we’re in meetings, I always encourage people to speak up and give them an opportunity to raise any pertinent questions, comments, or concerns. That way, everyone gets an opportunity to speak and be heard”.
By actively facilitating an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns, Martine helps build a culture of trust and engagement. This approach not only strengthens relationships within the company but also leads to higher levels of employee retention, as individuals know their contributions are valued and appreciated.
Managing Burnout and Retaining Talent
After dealing with a global pandemic and the strain and limitations it placed on workers, the fast-paced nature of property management can lead to burnout and turnover if not carefully managed. High performance is expected, but Canderel prioritizes creating an environment where employees can thrive. “The pandemic really underlined the need to take care of each other. The simple act of calling them wellness days instead of sick days has a big impact on how a last-minute absence is perceived and handled,” Martine shares. This shift helps destigmatize time off and highlights the importance of mental health.
Constant communication is another key factor in preventing burnout. “The most impactful measure remains constant communication—lots of one-on-one meetings where employees lead the agenda instead of just receiving directives,” Martine notes. This open dialogue allows employees to express concerns and ensures they feel supported in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Martine also highlights the importance of recognizing employees’ sense of ownership over their projects. “Recognizing the sense of ownership they have towards the projects they manage and giving them more agency over everyday decisions keeps teams motivated and engaged long-term.”
Building a Strong Company Culture
At Canderel, implementing a strong company culture has been central to improving employee satisfaction. Martine shares an example of a cultural shift that made a significant impact: “Inviting all staff, including operations teams to Christmas and Summer parties helped reinforce the notion that they were not part of the success of the company.” Martine adds, “Creating lasting ties, connections, and bonds with your co-workers and supporting them creates a well-rounded positive work environment”. This inclusivity reinforces the idea that all employees, regardless of their role, contribute to the company’s overall success. It also helps break down any barriers between leadership and staff, making everyone feel like an integral part of the team.
Moving Forward: Investing in Employees for Long-Term Success
Investing in employee satisfaction and well-being is not just about enhancing workplace morale; it is a strategic investment in better service for tenants and property owners. As Martine advises, “Be open to their suggestion and provide guidance while giving them agency over decisions related top client/tenant satisfaction”.
By prioritizing a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment, Canderel ensures our team remains engaged, motivated, and equipped to provide outstanding service to clients and tenants alike. Our investment in our people is what sets us apart in the industry.
