April 3, 2020
AVENUE LIVING RAISES PAY FOR FRONT LINE EMPLOYEES
Effective today, Avenue Living Communities will raise the wages of all in field, customer-facing employees by $2.00 per hour, indefinitely. The wage increase applies to hundreds of employees throughout Avenue Living's entire portfolio of 19 centres throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
"The people who serve our customers directly – leasing specialists, regional administrators, suite turn specialists, work order and maintenance specialists are on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Anthony Giuffre, CEO and Founder of Avenue Living Asset Management.
"Our employees are essential workers serving essential workers, and we want to show our appreciation for their extraordinary efforts. We have a skilled team of staff in all of our regions and have seen the impact of their efforts and hard work," added Giuffre.
Avenue Living is home to more than 20,000 people across the Prairies. With a historic focus on providing safe, comfortable and affordable workforce housing, many of the company's residents are now Canada's essential workers during the pandemic. The front-line individuals who work tirelessly at hospitals, warehouses and grocery stores ensuring the rest of the city can continue survive while remaining socially distant.
In addition to ensuring a professional deep clean happens regularly in all of its properties, Avenue Living has continued to experience a high level of new leasing activity, despite COVID-19. The company is continuing to renovate new suites in the market ensuring everyone within the communities in which they operate have a safe and clean place to call home. In fact, the company is experiencing a record number of renewal activity amid increased demand for its flexible payment options.
"Our goal is to keep people safe and comfortably sheltered, with buildings that are clean, ensuring we are responding swiftly to customer needs. We are committed to serving our 20,000 residents and are fully open and operational. In spite of COVID-19, our staff is dedicated to serve, and we are truly honoured by this. It is at this time that we need people at their best to deliver customer service and satisfaction," said Giuffre.
In March, the company proved to be a net positive employer, despite the current climate. In addition, in a time where mass layoffs are happening across Canada, Avenue Living is scheduled to remain net positive over the coming months by adding more people to the team.
"While many businesses are laying off employees, we are increasing the number of staff to ensure we are well prepared to service our residents during these trying times," said Giuffre. "Service to our residents is a top priority."
The company has steadily increased staff numbers to ensure that all 400+ buildings across the portfolio are kept at peak quality levels.
Avenue Living employees have been working around the clock to ensure that it is business as usual for all residents living in the company's Communities. The company has a standing commitment of a 72-hour work order turnaround time for resident requests, and increased efforts have driven the average work order down to 24 - 48 hours, while the average waiting time for the Call Centre remains under one minute.
"Character is revealed in adversity – that expression has never been truer than right now," said Giuffre. "We are seeing the tenacity of spirit and selflessness of our essential workers shine incredibly bright. We will get through this. The measure of a captain is not how they lead in calm waters, but how they lead in stormy seas."
Avenue Living has also recently established the ALC Community Task Force for residents that have been impacted by the outbreak to help with their day-to-day needs. Residents who need assistance with grocery shopping, dog walking or other challenges caused by self-isolation are encouraged to contact the Task Force at COVID-19@avenueliving.ca.
As the situation continues to evolve, Avenue Living will adjust its pandemic protocols as needed in the best interests of the health, safety and well-being of its valued residents and team members.