Just 25 per cent of British Airways employees would recommend the flag carrier as a good place to work, according to an internal survey which also revealed that two-thirds of employees don’t trust the airline’s senior leadership.
Around 13,000 employees took part in the recent survey aimed at gauging what BA’s workers really think of their employer.
Despite the negative headlines, however, nearly 60 per cent of those polled said they were proud to work for the beleaguered airline, and seven in ten employees said they enjoyed their jobs.
Embattled chief executive Sean Doyle said he was pleased to see workers “regaining a sense of pride and enjoyment” in their jobs following the unrest and upheaval of the pandemic.
British Airways was slammed by a parliamentary review panel in 2020 over its treatment of staff at the start of the pandemic and was singled out for its plans to slash the pay and terms and conditions of long-serving staff through ‘fire and rehire’.
The results of a similar staff survey last year were said to be so dire that the airline refused to publish even the headline results. We have since learnt that barely half of BA employees were proud to work for the airline, and just a quarter felt like the airline genuinely cared for their wellbeing or mental health.
“Almost three-quarters of you don’t agree that the changes we’re making are right for our colleagues,” Doyle complained in an internal memo.
“Our airline, business and culture are transforming and we must remain profitable so our shareholders continue to invest in our future and so that we’re able to compete with other airlines.”
Describing the last few years as “turbulent”, Doyle said the airline was now “determined” to make changes that employees say are important to them.
“Our airline should be a place where everyone’s contribution is recognised and valued. This isn’t an easy industry to work in but every day you create memorable moments for both our customers and colleagues. We should all feel immensely proud of that,” Doyle continued.
British Airways reported a €303 million operating profit in 2022, driven by strong pent-up demand and higher ticket prices, but the carrier was partially held back as it struggled to recruit staff lost during the pandemic.
In particular, the airline is still struggling to hire ground staff at its main Heathrow hub where there remain reports of long delays and flights leaving without any luggage being loaded because of staff shortages.
Last October, British Airways lost its Chief People Officer Michelle Lydon after just nine months on the job because she wanted to pursue opportunities elsewhere. The airline has seen a string of senior leaders leave the company in the last year, including its chief technical officer, and chief customer officer.
The Beyond Abysmal experience BA delivers to customers thanks to failure to invest in the basics like functioning, secure IT systems, cabin cleaning and maintenance, catering availability, baggage handling when combined with the almost total absence of ground based customer service means that BA are Best Avoided whenever there’s a choice. Indeed, without their inherited market and slot position in ‘fortress heathrow’ they would have gone bust years ago.
This is the consequence of appalling management running the organisation for short term profits and exploiting their undeserved dominance for maximum financial gain.
#FlyABBA when there’s a choice and push for more choice!