Airport Experience® News - Post-Conference Issue 2024

Left, Below: Denver International Airport offers employees free access to an onsite Wellness & Fitness Facility and break rooms for nursing mothers, plus a wide range of free programming focused on mental health, financial stewardship and professional development.

Just as it did to assess childcare needs, YLW is currently in the final stages of an employee transportation needs study to determine demand and to identify potential solutions, such as an employee shuttle. “Once we have this information, we’ll be reviewing and determining our next steps,” Samaddar says. “The goal is to provide access to meaningful full-time employment to individuals that would otherwise not be able to get to and from the airport outside of transit operating hours. By creating a reliable source of transport that supplements local transit and matches our operating hours, we’re creating equal opportunity for anyone that has an interest in employment in the aviation industry.” Other Perks While childcare and transportation assistance address very real needs, there are other amenities for airport employees—from discounts to enhanced break rooms—that aim to more generally improve workdays and enhance the employee experience. The Port of Portland coordinates regular and special monthly discounts at concessions for all PDX employees, and as part of its PDX People program the Port leads employee recognition events, including the annual Employee Appreciation Week with food trucks and prizes for employees, in addition to smaller, “surprise-and-delight” or holiday events throughout the year. Similarly, CVG hosts a variety of well received employee engagement events, including an annual summer picnic; a years of service and annual awards luncheon; a chili cook-off fundraiser for a local nonprofit; a semi-annual luncheon for concessionaire employees; and an end-of-year holiday event. Some of PHX’s most popular perks include employee development and tuition

reimbursement programs, on-site nursing room for mothers, discounts on airport shops and restaurants, and free training or seminars to benefit employee wellbeing and health. SFO employees receive concessions discounts at the airport and SFO is opening an employee cafeteria later this year, which will offer a variety of food options at discounted prices. “All of our efforts to improve the employee experience were informed by feedback from both existing employees and potential candidates, via surveys and feedback during hiring events,” Yakel says. “A good example would be concepts like the GO>SFO shuttle—employees with longer commutes indicated that the availability of this option was either a significant factor behind their decision to join or remain with, SFO. These amenities are so important because they create a win-win situation, allowing employees to work in an environment they find rewarding while allowing the airport to attract the very best candidates.” As an employee of the City and County of Denver, DEN team members have access to a range of discounts to local events and services, and DEN also offers free access to an onsite wellness and fitness facility and break rooms for nursing mothers, plus a wide range of free programming focused on mental health, financial stewardship and professional development. “Our employees report valuing these types of investments that go beyond pay and are interested in DEN continuing to build upon the amenities offered,” notes Shawn Smith, senior vice president of culture and strategy. “More concretely, employee amenities can help enhance employee satisfaction and retention, improve employee well-being, boost productivity and create a positive company image.”

LAWA offers employees a tuition assistance program as well as a career management program, which provides employees with opportunities for career counseling and mock interviews. In addition, the Altitude app offers airport employees discounts from businesses located around LAX and VNY. “Our mission is to provide airport experiences of the highest quality, so our employee benefits must meet the same standard,” says Martin Elam, deputy executive director for public safety and security and interim chief human capital and equity officer for LAWA. “Whether we’re helping employees improve themselves professionally through tuition assistance, offering them peace of mind with affordable childcare or empowering local businesses to offer our employees exclusive discounts through partnerships, we’re creating a culture of excellence that supports the well being, safety and goals of every team member.” It’s no secret that airports are uniquely challenging workplaces, and so perks and amenities beyond pay and traditional benefits go a long way in supporting and empowering airport employees. “When you show your team you care about them, they become more passionate and productive and then the sky is the limit for our organization,” PIT’s Naylor says. “Amenities are also important for attracting top talent for open positions—our childcare center, for example, is regularly cited by applicants as a key differentiator for us when they’re looking for career opportunities. Recruiting and hiring is a competitive sport, and we will take every advantage we can get.”

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AX NEWS APRIL/MAY 2024