There is a lot of focus on technology in the apartment industry these days.

And rightly so. Today’s residents are seemingly glued to their smartphones, and we’ve all seen how software, mobile apps, smart-home technology and artificial intelligence can be used to significantly improve the resident and prospect experience.

But operators must not lose sight of the powerful impact that non-technological amenities and features can have on the lives of residents. Today’s renters have a real longing for connection and wellness, and forward-thinking owners and managers have realized that meeting these needs can also be achieved through innovations that don’t rely on Wi-Fi or a sophisticated software program.

Below are some non-technological innovations through which apartment operators can distinguish themselves from the competition and create a community full of satisfied and loyal residents (these amenities and others will be discussed in a session at the upcoming MICA 2020 conference):

• Concierge and lifestyle services. Today’s residents are extremely busy. Between their demanding jobs and other responsibilities, they often have precious little energy or time to take care of everyday chores and tasks.
  
  When a community offers concierge and lifestyle services – dry cleaning, dog-walking, housecleaning, clothes folding and plant watering, to name just a few – it allows residents to easily handle their day-to-day responsibilities. These services enable renters to use their downtime to relax and unwind. In the process, these offerings can create real resident loyalty and satisfaction.
• Exercise and wellness classes. Many apartment communities have a fitness center filled with cardio machines and strength-training equipment that allow residents to work out on their own.
  
  But operators can distinguish themselves by offering onsite, instructor-led classes in yoga, Zumba dancing, meditation, tai chi, stress reduction and healthy cooking. Classes like these not only offer residents valuable ways to improve their well-being, but they also give them a chance to spend time together, get to know one another and bond.
• Appealing social areas. Speaking of bonding, multifamily operators can drive high levels of resident satisfaction by incorporating cutting-edge common areas into their communities. Think coworking spaces, meditation gardens and flexible fitness rooms that can be monetized to generate more revenue from common spaces. Features like these let renters build a real sense of community with each other and unwind from the stresses and strains of modern life, while putting ancillary revenue in your pocket.
  
  Innovative properties also are implementing community gardens, which allow residents to grow their own food, enjoy the outdoors and improve their sense of wellness by connecting with nature.
• A wide array of classes and events. Obviously, communities don’t have to limit their onsite classes and events to ones focused on health and wellness. Use common areas to host painting classes, movie or game nights, performances by comedians or musicians, and weekly TED Talk-style lectures by innovators and creative thinkers.

In the end, satisfied residents are the result of both technological and non-technological amenities and innovations. Software, apps and the like have a big role to play, but non-digital features and services are invaluable, too.