The future workforce panel at the International Airport Summit discussed how airports can attract and retain staff by offering holistic benefits, competitive pay, and work-life balance.
Technology and upskilling are key, along with community outreach. Credit: IAR. They also discussed the technology being used to fill the skills shortage, along with upskilling staff and community engagement. Not only do they compete with other airports, but also with private industries that often offer more appealing and flexible opportunities. A key point made was that attracting and retaining staff requires a holistic approach that goes beyond simply offering a high salary.
Airports need to consider the overall employee experience, encompassing compensation, benefits, work-life balance and opportunities for growth. While a high salary is important, it is not the only factor that motivates employees. Airports must conduct regular compensation studies to ensure they are paying staff fairly, especially in expensive cities, and offer above-average compensation. Overpaying employees, however, is not necessarily a long-term solution. Considering overall compensation is crucial, along with financial aspects, education, benefits and mentorship opportunities.
A comprehensive benefits package is also essential, with some choosing to include medical, dental and vision insurance. Some airports offer tuition reimbursement for employees seeking further education, a benefit that can be valuable for retaining staff. Work-life balance is another key factor, and offering flexible scheduling options and remote work opportunities can improve this.
Some airports are also providing mental health resources to support employees, recognising the importance of emotional wellbeing. Regular employee engagement surveys are said to be crucial to understand what employees need, with adjustments made based on their feedback.
