Why a Tech-Driven World Doesn’t Negate the Need for Training
In the twenty-first century, it is undeniable that we are living in a tech-driven world. The ability to automate tasks, find information and get solutions at the push of button dominates every aspect of our lives. It would be easy assume that as we push technology to do more and more for us, that the human element of the working world is fading fast. The reality, however, suggests something entirely different.
At Rendall & Rittner, we are seeing a shift in the expectations of our clients, customers and residents. We pride ourselves on being technology enabled and using market leading solutions to amplify our services. However, we also recognise that technology cannot automate every aspect of property management in a sector where accuracy, regulatory compliance and cost-efficiency are all key. Property management is a sector where compassion, understanding and human connection should always play a fundamental role in customer service.
With technology creating a society where fast solutions and quick responses are the norm, meeting expectations requires systems that deliver excellent, reliable and efficient solutions. Trained people with specialist expertise and skills will always play a crucial role in delivering customer-driven property management.
Investors in People
As a people-led business with a culture of continuous improvement, training and development opportunities are embedded into our business model. Since 2018, we have maintained Investors in People Platinum accreditation, reflecting the emphasis we place on our people. We are proud of this accreditation, which places us within the top 2% of organisations internationally and are constantly looking to refine and enhance our Learning & Development strategy to better support our people.
Whilst we pride ourselves on our rigorous onboarding process for new team members, we believe training isn’t just for those early on in their career journey. We have tailored learning paths for roles across our company, designed to help people develop within their current position and grow into their next. We also recognise that everyone has their own unique learning style and therefore have designed a diverse range of opportunities including access to in-person sessions, on the job opportunities and online resources.
An Evolving Approach
Reflecting the widening scope of property management services and the shifting expectations of our clients and customers, our Learning & Development strategy must adapt to maintain relevancy. Last year, we launched our Property Management Academy which ensures all our Assistant Property Managers, Property Managers and Senior Property Managers have easy access to a wide range of resources that enable them to perform consistently. With more than one hundred lessons provided via our Engage in Learning platform, our people can cement and expand their knowledge of key topics from health and safety to finance.
Training is only worthwhile if it is transferable into real world scenarios. Our strategy has been designed to provide practical applications that ensure our people have the technical knowledge to make confident decisions and recommendations. Proving the success of our new academy, 100% of colleagues who completed levels one to three of the academy so far this year have passed their Level 2 TPI exam.
Looking Ahead
The importance of having knowledgeable professionals working in property management roles is a sector-wide challenge, but one that is essential if we are to ensure the safety and fair treatment of those relying on the industry. The government has announced plans to introduce mandatory qualifications for property management professionals, reflecting the significant impact that the sector has upon its clients, customers and residents, a move that we welcome and encourage.
As the primary professional body for property managers in the UK, we anticipate that the required qualifications will come in the form of TPI accreditations. Our ongoing investment into our people and the emphasis we place on training opportunities means that 65.5% of those we employ in Property Manager roles and above already hold a TPI qualification, with many more working towards securing qualification themselves. This means we are in a strong position to continue delivering a smooth, professional service once qualifications are mandated.
Ultimately, as technology continues to raise the bar of what is expected from a managing agent, it is our people that will determine if we can clear it. We already have plans to extend the scope of our Academies to support other key roles such as those in Estate Management, Facilities Management and Finance, and are committed to continue evolving our Learning & Development strategy so we can offer the best possible quality of service to all our customers.
Richard Daver, Co-CEO, Rendall & Rittner
Originally shared on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-tech-driven-world-doesnt-negate-need-training-l9xfe/
