Workforce Development 101

The issue of hiring and retention in the rental industry is nothing new. This piece of premium content details what challenges the industry is seeing in terms of retaining good labor and how companies are actively working to combat these problems.

Workforce Development 101

The issue of hiring and retention in the rental industry is nothing new.

In fact, James Auerbach, ARA vice president, industry workforce development and event segment, says it has plagued the industry since well before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic—though the pandemic exacerbated an already-tight labor market.

“Even before the pandemic, American Rental Association (ARA) members nationwide consistently expressed their primary concern regarding the difficulties faced in hiring suitable candidates. The industry experienced a shrinking workforce, particularly in positions such as mechanics and warehouse workers,” Auerbach says. “While sales and administrative roles had relatively better outcomes, finding qualified drivers and individuals for yard and warehouse operations proved increasingly challenging.

"This scarcity of talent was a prevalent struggle that persisted long before the pandemic emerged and has increased since the pandemic as the job market expanded for drivers and retailers.”

In this piece of premium content, rental business owners will be able to uncover some of the major obstacles in labor retention, and ways that successful companies are mitigating those effects in their hiring and retention efforts.

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