Managers Utilize Alternative Housing Solutions to Maximize Team Efficiency

Date: October 16 2008
Source: TalentMgt.com
Website: http://www.talentmgt.com/industry_news/2008/October/3608/index.php

Project managers, challenged to maximize the efficiency of their project teams, are utilizing rental relocation services to manage costs, ease transition for their employees and prepare them to focus on their tasks from day one.

As economic turmoil continues to strain businesses in all industries, project managers must balance factors from rising fuel costs and shrinking budgets to the well-being and comfort of their teams to meet project objectives.

CORT, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is providing project managers a cost-effective solution for housing employees on long-term assignments with the nation’s most comprehensive suite of touring and destination services tailored for the unique needs of relocating renters.

Decrease Project Costs
The construction industry was one of the first to be affected by the downturn in the housing market and continues to face significant challenges. In August, housing starts fell to their lowest rate since 1991, while building permits and construction of single-family and multifamily units also contracted, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

In this environment, construction companies are forced to improve all of their processes to stay profitable, beginning with their process for housing employees during temporary assignments.

Composite Construction Systems, based in Columbus, Ga., had traditionally housed employees in extended stay hotels during assignments that typically last from three to six months and involve around 20 employees. In response to rising fuel prices, Chris Icenhour, equipment and operations manager, began researching alternatives to control project costs.

After extensive research, Icenhour chose to use CORT’s rental relocation services. In addition to saving on housing expenses, working with CORT allowed his company to streamline the process of arranging short-term apartment leases, utility hookups, and providing furniture and other household items as needed for the duration of a project.

“Over the past year, working with CORT has given us tremendous flexibility in providing temporary housing nationwide,” said Icenhour. “The rental relocation services have enabled our company to halve our housing costs while providing a welcoming home environment, preparing our employees to work productively during their stay.”

Icenhour works directly with a CORT national representative to arrange housing. First, he provided his representative with the location and general budget guidelines for the project. The relocation team then offered housing recommendations to meet the needs of the company and employees. Icenhour visited the potential locations to make a final decision, at which point the team worked to finalize all of the arrangements for the project.
 
Success Begins at Home Away From Home
The success or failure of a project team is largely predicated on extensive early planning, proper team chemistry and the ability to respond quickly to changes, all factors that are heavily influenced by the strength of interpersonal behavior within the team. Budget concerns, cultural differences and the stress of being away from home and family can all hamper a team’s effectiveness. Providing comfortable living arrangements gives the team a solid foundation to work from when faced with the inevitable challenges of a project.