Jessica Reed is a writer and editor with AIN. She joined the team in the fall of 2023 after two years covering the aviation industry at Avionics International. She earned her bachelor&#039;s degree in English (Writing &amp; Rhetoric) from Pepperdine University. Her hometown is St. Louis, Missouri, and she since has resided in Santa Barbara, California, and Brooklyn, New York, among others. She is currently based in Philadelphia.

Writer & Editor

Jessica Reed

Aviation Personnel International (API) has unveiled API WorkWell, a two-phase organizational wellness program designed to address retention challenges in business aviation workplaces. The consulting service aims to evaluate workplace health, strengthen leadership, and improve team dynamics.
Employee retention has emerged as a critical issue across the industry, according to API. The Savannah, Georgia-based company, which specializes in business aviation recruitment and HR solutions, developed the service to provide aviation leaders with data-driven insights and recommendations.
“API WorkWell is designed for business aviation leaders who understand that a thriving workplace culture doesn’t happen by chance—it starts at the top with leadership and requires continuous measurement, management, and strengthening over time,” said API president Jennifer Pickerel.
The first phase of the program incorporates both qualitative and quantitative assessments through anonymous team feedback. API analyzes this data using organizational psychology expertise to deliver a diagnostic report that identifies organizational strengths, improvement areas, and potential risk factors. Then the company benchmarks these findings against industry peers.
Phase two delivers a customized implementation plan with personalized coaching from aviation workforce specialists to help leaders execute changes and drive sustainable improvements.
According to API CEO Sheryl Barden, the program addresses fundamental challenges in the current aviation labor market. “Today’s business aviation organizations face unprecedented workforce challenges, including a persistent talent shortage and continued rising compensation,” said Barden. “The simple practice of increasing compensation and hoping people stay isn’t sustainable. People remain loyal to great leaders, not just bigger paychecks.”
API’s approach emphasizes the role of third-party assessment in creating psychological safety for employees to provide candid feedback. Participants in beta testing felt more comfortable sharing concerns with API than with internal HR departments.
The program focuses on multiple organizational aspects, including leadership alignment, role clarity, communication improvement, safety culture enhancement, and operational efficiency. Aviation leaders receive guidance on implementing changes to policies, organizational structure, and management practices.

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