How Poor Communication Can Affect HOA Management
Proper communication is important to the success of communities run by HOAs. Members of the HOA board must talk to each other, so they can work harmoniously and get things done. However, poor communication can result in unpleasant consequences including management issues. Often, professional HOA management can help mitigate communication issues within an HOA. Here’s how poor communication can affect HOA management:
Low-Quality Work Performance
HOA board members should communicate with each other. This allows them to clarify work expectations and responsibilities. Otherwise, tasks could be delayed or completed hurriedly. The role of HOA staff must be communicated to ensure tasks are get done.
Missed Deadlines
The HOA board must communicate with vendors to develop maintenance schedules. This also allows them to establish budget restrictions and construction timelines. For instance, the board must schedule with vendors to relay the necessary services during every visit. Otherwise, the curb appeal of the community may suffer because of broken facilities or unkempt landscapes.
In addition, the board must also communicate with contractors about budgets and timelines. They have to explain their project vision. This can prevent the need to redo some elements of the construction, putting strain on the finances of the association.
A Toxic Work Environment
Poor communication can result in an unpleasant work environment. This can lead to incomplete tasks and missed deadlines. Members of the board may argue with each other. Also, management staff may bear the brunt of these arguments, leaving them tensed and stressed. Heightened emotions can result in productivity declines.
Unhappy Residents
As poor communication breaks down community operations, homeowners see the board no longer offering high-quality services. As a result, residents may begin to complain whenever their HOA assessments increase while management quality decreases.
When communication issues within an HOA are left unchecked, they can result in harsh consequences for the HOA. To improve communication, board members should explain work expectations to new management staff. Also, it is important to follow up on tasks. Communication tools like messaging applications and emails can be used to follow up on management tasks. Whenever a project does not move along as anticipated, the board should follow up to encourage workers and vendors to speed up and meet the deadline.
Moreover, if association management is overwhelmed with tasks, the board should know when they should intervene. They must communicate the urgent tasks and the ones that can be sidelined temporarily. This way, the community can continue to operate seamlessly and efficiently.