Atlanta's own Delta Air Lines is flying high after being named to Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For" listing for the fifth straight year, as confirmed in a report by FOX 5 Atlanta. The airline, the only one to make the list this year, credits its success to its 100,000-strong workforce, who have proven to be fundamental in earning the prestigious accolade.
The acknowledgment is no fleeting milestone; it's backed by a suite of employee benefits that are designed to firmly establish Delta as an industry leader in the skies and the workplace. According to an announcement on Delta's own news page, the airline put its money where its mouth is earlier this year by paying out a hefty $1.4 billion in profit-sharing to employees globally. Employees also get the chance to earn up to $1,200 annually if they to meet various operational benchmarks through the Shared Rewards program.
It's not just about the money, though. Delta's commitment to its employees’ financial, emotional, physical, and social well-being goes beyond bonuses. The company has introduced an Emergency Savings Program that matches up to $1,000 in employee contributions, and offers mental health support through Spring Health—all without charging its employees a dime for these services.
What's more, Delta is actively evolving its hiring practices, embracing a skills-first approach and eliminating college degree requirements in a move to ensure more equitable opportunities for career advancement. By also partnering with Maven and Progyny, Delta is extending comprehensive fertility benefits and support for family-building journeys. According to stats released by the airline, Progyny has already assisted nearly 1,700 Delta employees with their fertility plans, resulting in the birth of 88 children since January 2023.
The airline's top brass is evidently proud of the culture they've cultivated. "Delta people fuel our success and are the reason we are the most-awarded airline,” Delta's CEO Ed Bastian was quoted as saying in a statement obtained by Delta's news page. Joanne Smith, E.V.P. and Chief People Officer, shared a similar sentiment, adding, "Delta’s culture of care starts with our people. When we take care of our people, they extend that care to our customers, who become loyal to Delta, which takes care of the company and Delta’s shareholders. It's the virtuous circle in action that helps us keep climbing."
The significance of Delta's workplace environment was underscored by the Great Place To Work Trust Index Survey, in which a randomized sample of U.S.-based Delta employees were asked to share their opinions on different aspects of their work. This survey, conducted by the recognized authority in workplace culture Great Place To Work, highlighted Delta's strengths and areas for improvement, ultimately contributing to their selection for Fortune's list.
Beyond creating a thriving work culture, Delta continues to soar in the customer experience sphere. The airline has racked up other distinctions, such as being on Fast Company’s list of the Most Innovative Companies and ascending to No. 11 on Fortune’s Worlds Most Admired Companies, topping the Most Admired Airlines category as stated by Delta's news announcement. With thirteen consecutive years being rated No. 1 by the Business Travel News Airline Survey, it's clear Delta isn't just a company that employees love—it's also setting the standard for customer service in the skies.
