Kerava’s most esteemed housing association – digital communication system supports As Oy Sibeliuksentie 2 towards its vision
Upon entering the courtyard of the housing association at Kerava, it is evident that this community is a pleasant place to reside. The garden flourishes in greenery, and cheerful residents exchange greetings in the stairwell. Raila Seppälä, a member of the housing association board, and Reijo Savolainen, the board chairman, share that the residential comfort of the housing association has been systematically developed over the years.
The housing association has crafted a five-year strategy guiding it towards its desired goals. As part of this strategy, the housing association transitioned to using a digital communication system just over a year ago. Raila admits to initially approaching the communication system with reservations.
“The system was introduced to us for the first time five years ago. Four years forward, as development progressed, the system started feeling perfect for us. If we didn’t have a digital notice board in a staircase and resident application in use, the association would now feel outdated, lagging behind. Now we are a modern association,” Raila says.
I wouldn’t switch away anymore.
Digital Communication System Positively Impacts Property Values
Raila is pleased that the digital notice board greets residents and visitors right at the front door.
“The staircase gives the first impression of the housing association. Thanks to the digital notice board, the entrance is now representative, as the old-fashioned bulletin board was removed, and in its place, there is now an elegant digital notice board. It also affects the prices of the apartments. Guests have stopped to admire the notice board, and we have received feedback that it is stylish.”
Raila also appreciates that, since transitioning to digital communication, the housing association operates more sustainably.
“Ecology is essential. We aim for a paperless approach, and the digital communication system is a significant help in eliminating unnecessary paper-based communication. Paperless operations also bring savings, as maintenance and management do not have to copy and distribute notices.”
Values Guide the Actions of the Housing Association
It is essential for the housing association that development continues systematically, and necessary investments are made. Leveraging the possibilities offered by digitalization is a central aspect for the association, carefully outlined in its strategic plan. Reijo emphasizes the significance of the housing association’s strategy in building and maintaining a functional community.
“There must be a leadership attitude towards the property, and the property should not lead the shareholders. By that, I mean that wear and tear and other issues should not dictate the pace. Everything should involve systematic planning and goal-setting.
When creating a strategy, it is essential to first define the values of the housing association – what matters to the community and what is valued. Then the vision – what kind of community and housing association is desired. After that, it is crucial to determine the actions needed to realize the vision. Our vision is to be one of Kerava’s most esteemed housing associations.”
Effective Channels Engage Communication
Reijo recommends that, before deciding on a digital communication system, the housing association should consider its goals and strategy: what they want to achieve with the system and whether the association is ready to implement it.
“The housing association must have open communication values. If the association does not communicate and use the system, it diminishes the value of both communication and the system. It is good to make an agreement on who updates the content. For example, we have agreed that the property manager handles communication related to their role, and the housing association has appointed a dedicated content updater for other information sharing and guidance.”
Raila agrees with the opinion and mentions that the digital notice board and resident application have been introduced to shareholders and residents through gatherings and by explaining the system at the general meeting. The association has also designated a person to assist with the system, and a message encouraging system usage is constantly displayed on the staircase.
“We are committed to doing more communication through the notice board. Previously we did not have a channel for that, and communication was also reflective of that. Now as communication is easy, we generate discussions,” Raila rejoices.
Communication of the Housing Association Demonstrates Care for Shareholders
Reijo mentions that communication content has also been planned based on the familiar values of the housing association’s strategy.
“It is good to think about what shareholders want to know – so to speak, absorb shareholders’ views and comments. Communication must be based on identified needs. The topic of the announcement doesn’t always have to be significant.
An important value in communication is caring. Communication is caring. We care about the physical presence of the housing association and the community of the housing association,” Reijo concludes.
This article is an ai-generated translation of the original article in Finnish.