The difficulties and challenges with fast-changing technologies in the workforce
08 August 2023
Johan Hento-Addow, chairman of Verhurend Nederland and COO of Loxam Nederland speaks at the Future Group workshop. (Photo: ERA)
On 8 June, during the ERA Convention, the Future Group held a workshop on making careers in the rental industry more attractive to all generations, including younger people.
As well as reflecting on how we can make the rental industry attractive to younger people and keep them loyal to their companies, as reported in our last article, the participants were also asked about the difficulties and challenges with fast-changing technologies in the workforce and how companies support those changes.
Rapid technological modernisation benefits the rental industry but also brings many challenges
The biggest challenge is to avoiding technological skill obsolescence, especially with regard to older generations. Rental companies should invest in skills training and lifelong learning (for all ages) to keep their employees’ skills relevant, counter skill shortages, and keep providing the most effective, safe and high-quality service possible.
In addition, it is helpful for employees to acquire a wider set of skills to enable them to do a wider variety of tasks and be more flexible in switching between job positions.
Another issue relates to data property and compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The challenge for operators that comes with technological developments is data protection in light of GDPR, especially regarding connected tracking devices.
The rental industry should also learn how to deal with the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) regarding opportunities and challenges.
All in all, within the rental industry, learning should be part of the job. Rental companies should invest in training and ensure time is available for employees to learn. The industry’s general attitude needs to become more open to lifelong learning and the idea of returning to school should be promoted.
Training should be easily accessible, not only in the form of courses but also, for example, as digital tutorials. Manufacturers and suppliers should provide the necessary information on the use of equipment in advance and in a standardised form.
If you are a rental company and would like to be represented in the ERA Future Group, please contact the ERA team at era@erarental.org.
