January - February 2021
What’s Happening, Hawthorne?!
Hawthorne at Parkside: Cary, NC.
Business Updates
New Performance Appraisal System
In early January we moved the performance appraisal system from Trakstar to UKG (formerly UltiPro). Employees should now be receiving reviews on their designated review date from the UKG system. Also, we have seen very few issues, questions or support tickets following the performance appraisal roll out indicating the process is running smoothly.
For employees wanting to see the status of reviews, login to UKG and navigate to Menu > Myself > Jobs > Reviews. Employees will be able to monitor the status and see past reviews. Managers will have access to a dashboard that is very helpful in determining the status of the review, the upcoming review dates, and many more exciting tools. This page is very helpful in keeping organized with dates and review data. Managers can find the Talent Dashboard by logging into UKG and navigating to Menu > My Team > Talent Management > Talent Dashboard.
Should you have questions about your review, please enter a ticket at www.hrpsupportguru.com under Human Resources > UKG Performance Reviews and a HR team member will assist you. As a reminder, all handouts and micro-tutorials for Performance Appraisals are available on our Employee Portal.
HRP Design Desk
Timesaving, Brand-Building Technology is Here
Say “goodbye” to help desk tickets and “hello” to good design at your fingertips. Who is ready to up their marketing game with a faster speed to market, easy DIY online tools, and branded templates? Hawthorne has partnered with renowned software company, Lucidpress, to launch new property marketing technology to our site teams this February. This program is internally branded as “HRP Design Desk.” HRP Design Desk is an online, unlimited designer template maker for a wide variety of marketing needs, including flyers, social graphics, resident communications, and more!
Benefits include:
1. Quickly and easily create branded marketing collateral
2. Get creative with freedom within an approved framework
3. Enjoy pre-loaded logos and floor plans in an organized, searchable, and easy-to-use platform
See what all the buzz is about and why our pilot teams are calling it:
• “Marketing magic in minutes”
• “5 Stars!”
• “Instant download = Instant satisfaction”
• “The system is so smart, and you will love getting your templates created so efficiently!”
• “A Hawthorne-customized Canva”
• “If you are an idea generator, but struggle with executing those ideas, then this will take your contributions so much further with your team.
Every design and communication you send is a direct reflection of your property’s brand, as well as the Hawthorne brand. The impact of brand consistency is directly correlated to community referral, resident retention, and ultimately what branding is all about: rental rate tolerance and business growth. This incredible, easy-to-use tool makes great design available to everyone, so you spend LESS time creating content or shagging down proofs, and MORE time focused on collecting rent and leasing apartments.
The program launched portfolio-wide the week of 2/8 and additional training and support is available within UKG. Simplify the logistics of your marketing and check out www.HRPDesignDesk.com today!
Hawthorne Leasing & Live It!
Private Facebook Group
Want to stay connected to other Hawthorne site teams? Love seeing and sharing leasing, training, and marketing ideas? Need an easy way to stay in tune with trending topics and best practices at other properties?
That’s exactly what our private, members-only Hawthorne Leasing & Live It! Facebook page is all about. This group is dedicated to all things LEASING! Here you will find an open forum connect with the HRP Training and Marketing Department to discuss all of your favorite leasing and marketing ideas, challenges, and successes! You will also find some great resources from our support teams to help you along the way such as:
- Training Videos - Resource Guides - Leasing & Marketing Tips - And more!
Not a group member? No problem. Sign up today at https://www.facebook.com/groups/hrpleasing and request to join. See you there!
Training Department Meet the
Hawthorne’s Training team creates and implements a wide variety of learning and development tools to help each employee reach their fullest potential. Our three main objectives are to:
1. Equip associates with the necessary tools to produce effective, impactful results
2. Provide support to improve and increase efficiency and service
3. Create engaging development opportunities that enhance knowledge and develop skills
New employees receive blended training that consists of on-demand video, job aides, one-on-one onboarding, and live training events. In addition, existing employees are provided with personal & professional development in our career progression paths and in the UKG Learning Content Library.
Zack Baranick
Director of Training & Operations Support Corporate – Chattanooga, TN
Fun Fact: I acted in a traveling theater troupe for 6 years performing coastto-coast and in Europe.
Lindsey Knox
Senior Trainer & Support Manager Corporate – Chattanooga, TN
Fun Fact: I was a cheerleader for 8 years. I even won the “Most Spirited Award” 3 times!
Cale Williams
Training & Development Manager Corporate – Chattanooga, TN
Fun Fact: I’m officially ordained, and I perform wedding ceremonies on the side.
Employees are always welcome to contact the Training Department with any question. Managers can, specifically, reach out if they have the following needs:
• New employee training
• Coaching and skill development for associates
• Career progression
• On-demand resources
Build & Sustain, Develop, Thrive,
Training Corner
Upcoming Training Dates : Virtual Sessions
All courses will be virtual unless otherwise noted. Training events may be changed to “in-person” depending on COVID restrictions.
MARCH
3/9-3/11: Live It! Leadership
3/17-3/18: Leasing School
3/24-3/25: Hawthornize
APRIL
4/13-4/15: Live It! Leadership
4/21-4/22: Leasing School
4/28-4/29: Hawthornize
SAM MANUAL TRAINING DATES
*in person dates and locations
3/16 : Orlando
3/16 & 3/17 : Charlotte
3/18 : Atlanta
3/18 & 3/19 : Raleigh/Fayetteville
3/23 : Clarksville
3/23 & 3/24 : Greensboro
3/25 : Wilmington
3/25 : Birmingham
3/30 : New Orleans
New Development Spotlight
Hawthorne at Parkside
Hawthorne at Parkside, located in Cary, NC has recently received its final residential apartment buildings and is 55 % occupied and 75 % pre-leased. The community’s location is exceptional, located conveniently to highways, eateries and retail. The community also connects to the city’s greenway, with close proximity to several parks and trails.
Hawthorne at Parkside offers apartment homes with high-end finishes, in two custom finish packages, including quartz countertops, large side-by-side refrigerators, and vent hoods (in select units). The community also offers an impressive amenity package, with a boutique community feel.
Hawthorne at Parkside is our first new development in the Triangle market and has been a huge success for us. We’re thrilled with the overall product and the results that our Hawthorne at Parkside team continues to deliver.
HR Happenings!
Preparing For Open Enrollment
Hawthorne’s open enrollment occurs each year for an April 1st effective date. This is a time when employees can add, change, or delete dependents without a reason or qualifying event. Employees may also wish to increase, decrease, or change coverages for their benefits.
Our Open Enrollment dates will be scheduled for late February through early March. Additional communications will be forthcoming to announce the exact dates and times. We will also be emailing communications prior to Open Enrollment so you can review any plan changes. Employees should also conduct a thorough review of their beneficiaries this time of year and ensure a beneficiary (with contact information) is added for each life insurance plan.
In addition, open enrollment will be conducted electronically via the UKG site and employees have the option of working with a benefit counselor. Stay tuned for more information from the HR Department regarding Hawthorne’s annual enrollment.
Leave Bank Hours
Hawthorne sponsors two leave-sharing banks to provide an opportunity for employees to donate accrued, unused vacation, sick or personal time to other employees who have used all available time and need to take time off for a medical emergency or major disaster.
In 2020, 1,689 hours were donated by employees to our leave bank. 2,144 hours were distributed to employees in need of time in 2020. We had a nice healthy leave bank prior to Covid, which covered the higher withdraw in hours last year. This is about 4 – 5 times what we donated and distributed in 2019. Way to LIVE IT!
Getting To Know
Melissa Austin Vice President of Human Resources
How Long Have You Been With HRP?
6 months
What Do You Love Most About HRP?
I have two things I love about Hawthorne. The first is how we provide employee and resident programs to help others in need such as “Hawthorne Cares”. I also love the commitment to the Live It culture of community, connection and kindness.
What Do You Do Outside Of Hawthorne?
I am married and take care of my Mom who lives with us. I also have six sisters and nine nieces and nephews and love spending time with all of them. I love dogs and currently have a three-year-old Doberman that is on my heels the second I get home from work until I leave again. For fun, I like to snow ski, hike, cook and most importantly, spend time at the beach.
If You Had 3 Wishes, What Would They Be?
1. I wish for the health and wellness of my family.
2. I wish to travel to Ireland and Spain.
3. I wish to get another puppy.
Remembering Alex Coulter Gone but never forgotten
Alex Coulter had the concrete handshake of a man who’d spent his entire life working hard and the unbreakable spirit and twinkle of goodness in his eye of a young man half his age. Sadly, he left us on February 8th, 2021. Alex served Hawthorne in the role of RSS at Hawthorne at New Centre, and more importantly served his residents, for many years before retiring due to health concerns. In 2019, he received the “Superstar Award.”
In her speech praising him, RM Jocelyn Parker referenced that Alex had completed over 6,000 work orders and 1,100 turns in his time with Hawthorne. I remember many things about Alex, and I, along with many HRP employees who I have reminisced with recently, could write a novel about a man such as Alex. However, what we came back to about Alex was his spirit. You could interact with Alex for 10 minutes, and he’d say, “Thank You Boss” and “God Bless Ya” once a minute, maybe more. His handshake was genuine. His work ethic was unmatched. His willingness to please was uncanny. His desire to leave all of those he met better than he found them was without question. To know Alex, was truly to love Alex, and you were loved in return. Alex was a man of courage, strength, and most of all, faith. We will all miss him, but know that he is watching us, and wishing us all the successes this life can offer. If he were here today, he’d tell us all, “Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of it. God Bless Ya.” And that’s just what we’ll do. God Bless Ya, Alex. Your Hawthorne Family is forever better having known you.
Celebrating Your Achievements!
Employee Promotion Spotlight
December 2020 - January 2021
Name Promotion From
Amy Tichnell
Breanna Miller
Brett Bailey
Brittney Pirolla
Candace Huffman
Caroline Mills
Douglas Bailey
Elizabeth Lovo
Ferrel Stewart Jr.
Jamel Quijano
Jesse Marthaller
Kayla Rice
Lauren Snyder
Mikayla Scheidell
Reina Morales
Sarah Williams
Susan Hutchins
Timothy Townsend
Tonijha Taylor
Tyrekia Brown
Leasing & Live IT! Specialist
Assistant Community Manager
Senior Regional Manager
Leasing & Live IT! Specialist
Senior Accountant II
Leasing & Live IT! Specialist
Resident Services Supervisor
Assistant Community Manager
Resident Services Technician III
Resident Services Technician III
Resident Services Technician II
Leasing & Live IT! Specialist
Assistant Community Manager
Leasing & Live IT! Specialist
Leasing & Live IT! Specialist
Community Manager
Senior Accountant
Resident Services Technician II
Assistant Community Manager
Leasing & Live IT! Specialist
Promoted To
Assistant Community Manager
Regional Assistant Community Manager Support
Regional Vice President
Assistant Community Manager
Senior Property Accountant II
Assistant Community Manager
Regional Support Supervisor
Community Manager
Resident Services Supervisor
Resident Services Supervisor
Resident Services Technician III
Assistant Community Manager
Community Manager
Assistant Community Manager
Leasing Manager
Regional Support Manager
Senior Property Accountant
Resident Services Supervisor
Community Manager
Assistant Community Manager
Career Progressions
December 2020 - January 2021
Career Path Completions
Employee Path From Path To Community
Carley Wilson
Deadra Ussery
High Roller Achievements
Employee Status
Heidys Eliseo
Kayla Langley
Kevin Mbakop
Lauren Snyder
Michael Taylor
Kaytlin Eriksson
Chanell Jerez
Ivelis Rodriguez
Heather Cundiff
Laura Smith
Robyn Gallagher
Brittani Saracco
Carley Wilson
Cheryl Rawlings
Heather Coyne
Madalyn Welch
Natalie Dominguez
Nicholas Page
Samantha Kelly
Sarah Petrone
Shelby Giron
Hot
Jack Pot
Jack Pot Jack Pot
Community
Mission Club
Meridian at Sutton Square
Haven at Research Triangle Park
Trellis Pointe
Hawthorne at the Parkway
Hawthorne at Leland Cranes Landing
Barber Park
Legends at Morganton Park
Hawthorne at the Summit
18 Watercress Green
Ocean Oaks
Hawthorne at Haywood
Stallings Mill
Hawthorne at Sugarloaf
Hawthorne at Main
Hawthorne at Mills Gap
Hawthorne at the Greene
Park at Laurel Oaks
Hawthorne at the Carlyle
Avenues of Kennesaw
Street Square
Hawthorne Babies!
Zachary David Jansen
Proud Parent: Katy Jansen, Community Manager at Waterford
Zachary David Jansen was born on October 9th, 2020 weighing 8 lbs. 9 oz. He was due on October 1st but kept hanging on in there until he got his eviction notice.
Jaylee Hickman
Proud Parent: Whitnee Hickman, Community Manager at Yester Oaks
Jaylee Hickman was born on October 22nd, 2020 at 8:33 am weighing 7 lbs. 10 oz. Jaylee has one older sister, Milanee who is four years old. Jaylee is one day old in this picture.
Welcome to the Hawthorne Family!
Five Star Resident Reviews!
Hidden Lake By: Verified Resident / Apartment Ratings
I moved in late December and from the very first contact with this everything has been great. They were very professional. The approval process took probably 3 days no more than that. They offer great amenities that I love, and the neighbors seem nice as well: I cannot wait to really enjoy more benefits like the clubhouse and pool. Oh, the lake is wonderful and peaceful to sit by and they say there are fish in it too if you love to fish.
Hawthorne at the Ridge By: Verified Resident / Apartment Ratings
I love living here. The office staff is ALWAYS friendly and helpful. The maintenance team is ALWAYS prompt and efficient. We love the food trucks, contests, and events they plan for our community. Our 3-bedroom apartment is spacious. It’s a safe, clean place to live. I can’t say enough good things about this complex and the staff!
Hawthorne at Sugarloaf By: Anonymous User / Apartments.com
I’ve lived at Hawthorne at Sugarloaf for 20 months. Of the many reasons why I enjoy living here is the exceptional maintenance service - may be the best. I have needed maintenance a few times with everything from replacing a toilet to changing a light bulb. In every instance, the team members have responded quickly (usually same day) and professionally and efficiently resolved the issue. As an older, single woman, I appreciate how easy it is to secure help with maintenance issues. I couldn’t be more pleased.
Hawthorne at Lily Flagg By: Verified Resident / Apartment Ratings
If we weren’t interested in purchasing a home, we would live here forever. The office staff is very responsive to the community and quick to make your stay comfortable. Maintenance is AWESOME too!
Live It! Corner
Being Kind Changes the World
Management Corner
HR Tips For Managers
Be Explicit.
“Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity.”
– Nat Turner
Okay, maybe not the type of explicit you’re thinking of. The definition of the word explicit is “precisely and clearly expressed”. According to a study by Gallup, nearly half of U.S. employees don’t know what is expected of them at work causing a decline in engagement at the office. This is why, as managers, it is our responsibility to ensure all expectations are explicitly clear, so our team understands what we expect and how to succeed.
Take something as simple as telling someone to “be on time”. Everyone knows they are supposed to be on time but your definition of on time might be completely different than your team members. For example, is “on time”, pulling into their parking spot at 9:00am? Or, is it having the office unlocked, lights on and ready for business at 9:00am, which will require them to come in a few minutes early to be “on time”? It is scenarios like the one above that are often the leading cause of frustration, distrust and confusion on a team. Do not let something as simple as this cause your team to faulter.
The bottom line – Take the extra time to explain your expectation and how they can exceed that expectation. Schedule weekly team meetings to get everyone together and on the same page. And when a team member isn’t getting the job done, have a crucial conversation to understand their perspective, clarify what is expected of them and explain why it is negatively affecting the business. Many times, once people know the why, they are more open to the change. Keeping the lines of communication open is the key to success!
Leadership Corner
“Looking to get ahead in your career? Start by being respectful to your coworkers, says leadership researcher Christine Porath. In this science-backed talk, she shares surprising insights about the costs of rudeness and shows how little acts of respect can boost your professional success -- and your company’s bottom line.”
https://www.ted.com/talks/christine_porath_why_being_respectful_to_your_coworkers_is_good_for_business#t-449952
@hawthorneresidentialpartners www.hawthorneresidentialpartners.com