Why Emirates is my employer of choice—Ikpekhia

Posted By Sade Williams

George Ikpekhia, Emirates’ Airport Services Manager in Nigeria, has said that for the past 15 years of working with his employer, he had had no time to regret taking up the job.

Speaking in an interview, he said the airline, not only ensures its workers are happy, it also initiates series of training and awards, internationally and locally for them as part of programmes to develop and motivate staff.

He said his employer knows the secret to achieving maximum and positive results in a workplace, hence Emirates does not leave any stone unturned to ensure a good welfare for its staff.

“Emirates is known to be a customer centric organization, but to me, it’s the same focus they have for their employees. They do care about their employees and they put up policies that take care of everyone without worrying. For me to have worked for Emirates for 15 years is testament on this, I can categorically say that Emirates is an Employer of choice. I have so far noticed that happy employees are far more productive in general, because when employees are happy, the general level of morale in the workplace is high. It hence, creates an environment in which collaboration and productivity can thrive and develop a healthy workplace culture, which is very important. Emirates has over the years lived up to my expectation, we get attractive benefits and travel opportunities. Emirates appreciates their staff through series of internal awards, and even on international celebrations, they usually role out messages for employees”, he said.

Ikpekhia, who expresses his passion towards excelling in the aviation industry, added: Emirates has put processes in place to train us to be at par with Emirates and international standards. They organise trainings all over the world, which I have attended in Dubai and online via conference calls. I have also attended several technical, management and professional courses within Nigeria and abroad.

“I am passionate about the aviation industry and work towards personally excelling in education and learning. I received my Masters in Business Administration (Aviation Management) from Coventry University, United Kingdom and have a Diploma in Airline studies from International Air Transport Association (IATA), so I manage and ensure a safe and efficient airport operation and ensure that the highest standards of Customer Service levels are maintained. I implement and periodically review strategy to ensure that all procedures, standards and instructions laid down by Airport Services and other departments are complied with by Airport staff in Lagos. Also, I’m involved in negotiation of Ground handling contract and standard and ensuring that Ground Handling performance targets as set by Airport Services such as punctuality, check-in standards and baggage delivery times are achieved.

“I manage employees through a combination of guidance, training, support, motivation and delegation with successful monitoring and promotion of teamwork in order to aid staff development. Lastly, I perform all administrative tasks in an accurate, timely manner and control of Station expenditure in order that it remains in the predefined parameters of the station budget”, he added.

Ikpekhia, who said he has a good working relationship with all the 11 workers in his team, said he operates an open communication system whereby staff are encouraged to express themselves and make decisions that are built within the Emirates standard, adding that ‘it is very important to build relationships with your colleagues and in doing so is reflective of their work’.