Southwest Airlines tops American opportunity index for job growth

Friday, December 22, 2023

Southwest Airlines Co. takes pride in being recognized as an Employer Honoree in the 2023 American Opportunity Index. This index gauges companies’ efficacy in nurturing talent to drive business success and propel the careers of individual employees. For the second consecutive year, Southwest® secured the top position among airlines on this index.

Elizabeth Bryant, the Senior Vice President & Chief People Officer of Southwest Airlines, expressed, “Ever since our first flight in 1971, it’s been the remarkable dedication of our workforce that truly encapsulates the essence of Southwest Airlines.” Bryant shared insights from her own 26-year tenure within the company, commencing as a Training Instructor and navigating through various teams in unforeseen directions. She emphasized Southwest’s unwavering dedication to nurturing a culture that esteems and emboldens its employees, ensuring ongoing learning and advancement possibilities throughout all phases of one’s career.

Southwest Airlines® actively encourages its workforce to pursue their passions by utilizing the company’s resources to fulfill their career ambitions. The carrier’s Career Mobility Center serves as a platform for employees to explore internal job prospects, discover new roles, or prepare for promotions. This center offers services such as career advisory sessions, resume critiques, interview preparation resources, and more. Additionally, the airline provides various resources for career advancement and skill diversification, including in-person or virtual courses, mentorship programs, and other growth initiatives.

The American Opportunity Index, a collaborative effort of the Burning Glass Institute, Harvard Business School’s Managing the Future of Work Project, and the Schultz Family Foundation, evaluates employee quality at America’s largest employers over time. It assesses companies’ management of their most valuable asset—their people. Unlike traditional corporate surveys, the Index relies on an independent analysis derived from changes reported in employees’ work histories on social media and online resume platforms, alongside comprehensive salary and job-posting data.

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