As the airline industry grapples with staffing shortages amid rising travel demand, JetBlue is offering flight attendants an extra $1,000 just for showing up for work.
To avoid the cancellations that have plagued other carriers, JetBlue will award the bonuses to all flight attendants who refrain from calling in sick or missing work by the end of May.
They can also score an additional $100 to fill open flights.
“Spring rewards programs come at a time when every flight makes a difference as hours are tight and staffing levels aren’t where they need to be,” said Ed Baklor, customer service and programs manager. JetBlue, in a note to staff members. seen by CNBC.
It is commendable.
It also raises an interesting question: why don’t all companies in all industries equally reward employees who go the extra mile during particularly busy or difficult times?
Why don’t retailers consistently hand out bonuses to workers during the holiday season?
Why don’t restaurants pay more for staff working on Friday and Saturday nights?
Why KTLA’s consumer journalists don’t see a little sweetener to appease their cat to appear on television? (OK, maybe that last one isn’t quite serious.)
It just makes economic sense. If you know your staff are going to go above and beyond for a while and you want to incentivize staff to do their best, you build rewards into the system.
Yes, JetBlue, like all airlines, is facing extraordinary circumstances and doing everything it can to keep its planes flying.
But the principle is sound. If you want more from the workers, show them you appreciate their efforts.
Not that I’m holding my breath on this one. Neither does my cat.
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