In today’s airport environments, effective leadership plays a crucial role in fostering employee engagement and wellbeing.

The levels of engagement and wellbeing directly impact employee productivity, performance, and overall organisational success.

This article aims to shed light on the importance of linking engagement, leadership, wellbeing, and the need for 360 feedback in the airport industry.

The Significance of Leadership in Driving Engagement and Wellbeing:

Research conducted by the CAA in 2022 highlighted that 82% of airport employees consider engaging leadership crucial for their wellbeing and job satisfaction.

Furthermore, Gallup’s 2022 findings revealed that teams with higher engagement levels were 17% more productive compared to those with lower engagement levels. Gallup also reported a positive correlation between engagement and reduced absenteeism, increased innovation, and overall wellbeing.

Effective leaders foster engagement by building trust, establishing open communication channels, and ensuring employees feel involved, valued, and respected.

The Link between Engagement, Wellbeing, and Productivity:

Productivity within airports can be measured in several ways. Employees play a crucial role in shaping the customer experience. Engaged and happy employees are more likely to provide exceptional service, contributing to higher customer satisfaction levels. Thus, investing in engagement and wellbeing initiatives is not only beneficial for employees, but also has a direct impact on overall organisational success.

Addressing Recruitment and Retention Challenges:

Like many other organisations, airports face recruitment and retention challenges. Prospective and current employees increasingly consider workplace culture and employee experiences when making career decisions. The influence of supervisors and leaders on employee engagement cannot be overstated.

Negative experiences with leadership can lead to a poor reputation for an airport and have a significant impact morale. Therefore, fostering positive leadership practices and a supportive work environment is essential to attract and retain talented individuals.

Prioritising Wellbeing in Airport Environments:

Airports can be inherently stressful places, both for employees and passengers. Safety regulations, such as those governing air traffic control, emphasise the importance of effective communication and stress management.

However, these principles should extend to all airport staff. The behaviour and attitudes of employees, especially during challenging situations, leave a lasting impression on passengers and colleagues alike.

It is crucial to prioritise employee wellbeing and equip staff with the necessary skills and support to navigate stressful scenarios successfully.

Utilising 360 Feedback to Develop Effective Leaders:

To address engagement, wellbeing, and leadership effectively, it is essential to provide development opportunities for those in management roles.

Developing self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses is a critical first step. One widely used tool for this purpose is a 360 feedback assessment.

This assessment involves gathering anonymous feedback from an employee’s boss, peers, and subordinates through a questionnaire. The results provide valuable insights into areas of strength and areas for improvement, enabling leaders to develop their managerial and leadership skills more effectively.

In conclusion, promoting employee engagement, wellbeing, and effective leadership is crucial within airports.

Positive leadership practices, coupled with a supportive work environment, foster engagement and wellbeing among employees, resulting in increased productivity and organisational success.

Implementing 360 feedback assessments can help identify areas for growth and development, enabling leaders to become more self-aware and effective in managing and leading others. By prioritizing these interconnected elements, airports can create a positive and thriving work environment for their employees