Airports Compete to Support Employees' Families Amid Hiring Race

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Aug 01, 05:51 am

Photo: (Photo : IONA VIRGIN on Unsplash)

Trudi Shertzer, an operations duty manager at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), is eagerly anticipating the opening of a 61-slot child care center within the airport terminal. She and her husband, Ben, who works as a wildlife manager at the airport, will have the convenience of dropping off their 8-month-old son, Hunter, at the on-site facility, making it easy for them to check on him during the day.

The child care center at PIT is the first of its kind in a U.S. airport terminal and aims to support not only the airport authority's 475 employees but also other staff members, including concessionaires, cleaners, and construction workers. The facility will operate under the national daycare company La Petite Academy.

Supporting Working Parents: PIT's Child Care Center Benefits All Airport Staff

With the airline industry ramping up its hiring efforts to meet the surge in travel demand, childcare has become a crucial focus for employers. Several other U.S. airports, including Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Denver International Airport, and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, are also in the process of developing or expanding on-site child care facilities to attract and retain employees, especially those in hard-to-fill, lower-paid positions.

According to NBC News, the high cost of child care has been a significant barrier for working parents, and having on-site child care centers near airports can alleviate the logistical challenges of commuting to urban centers for these services. A survey found that 43% of women who left their jobs in the previous year cited a lack of child care as their main reason, demonstrating the importance of such facilities for mothers.

Many working parents, like Trudi Shertzer, have had to rely on babysitters to look after their children while they work. Enrolling children in on-site child care centers can offer "significant savings" for families, contributing to their bottom line. To make child care more accessible to employees, the Allegheny County Airport Authority, which operates PIT, has set the tuition at approximately 10% below area market rates and ensured eligibility for state subsidies.

Christina Cassotis, CEO of Allegheny County Airport Authority, emphasized that they are striving to build "sticky" and foundational benefits to invest in their employees as individuals rather than just filling job positions. The center, operated by La Petite Academy, will have its own entrance in a surplus part of a terminal once used by US Airways. Initially, the child care center will operate on weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with plans to eventually offer 24/7 services to accommodate workers with late shifts.

By providing this essential benefit, airport authorities are investing in their employees' well-being and work-life balance, aiming to foster a supportive and productive workforce. Airports have realized the significance of child care as a key recruitment tool and are looking to expand access to such facilities for all staff members.

Annie Russo, chief political and congressional strategy officer for Airports Council International-North America, pointed out that child care centers on or near airport property can help retain and recruit employees, especially women. The pandemic further highlighted the importance of accessible child care services as 43% of women who left their jobs cited staying at home with children or a lack of child care for their decision.

Fostering Work-Life Balance: On-Site Child Care Eases Logistical Challenges for Employees

The Biden administration has also recognized the child care challenges faced by working parents and issued directives to federal agencies to reduce costs and improve access to child care services. First Lady Jill Biden praised on-site child care facilities during a visit to PIT, emphasizing how they allow workers to pursue their careers without worrying about finding care for their kids.

In addition to the cost savings, on-site child care facilities also provide peace of mind to parents, knowing that their children are in a safe and nurturing environment while they work. This benefit is especially valuable for working mothers like Kristen Owens, a consultant at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), who has been bringing her 1-year-old son, Jack, to the First Flight Child Development Center at LAX since he was 4 months old. Owens highlighted that the child care at LAX costs significantly less than other daycare centers in the area, making it an attractive option for employees.

Airports such as Miami International Airport and San Francisco International Airport have had child care services for employees in the past, and more airports are recognizing the importance of offering such benefits. In an effort to attract and retain employees in a competitive job market, airports are taking significant steps to support working parents and create a better work-life balance for their workforce. The expansion of on-site child care facilities not only benefits employees and their families but also contributes to a more productive and engaged workforce, ultimately enhancing overall airport operations.