Delta Air Lines has been recognized as one of the world’s top employers in Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2025 list. Delta ranked No. 2 among 900 companies featured in the survey, moving up four spots from the previous year. Forbes highlighted Delta for its approach to employee engagement and communication, noting efforts such as the airline’s “open-door policy” that allows staff to communicate directly with leaders through email or in person.
Each corporate market at Delta has a designated senior leader who visits employees regularly, provides business updates, and answers questions. This system of open communication, combined with employee engagement surveys, has enabled Delta to respond directly to employee needs. For example, after receiving feedback, the company launched an initiative in which more than 40,000 employees have participated. In response to requests for greater flexibility regarding employee pass travel, Delta adjusted its policies to allow an additional travel companion.
Forbes also named Delta among the top American employers and ranked it No. 1 in Georgia, Michigan, and Utah.
The methodology behind Forbes’ World’s Best Employers list involved a partnership with a market research firm to survey over 300,000 employees across more than 50 countries. Eligible companies were multinational corporations employing over 1,000 people and operating in at least two of six continental regions. Respondents evaluated their companies on factors such as salary, talent development opportunities, and remote work options and could also rate other companies based on industry knowledge or information from friends and family.
Survey responses were compiled into a scoring system that included data from the past three years, giving more weight to current employees and recent data. The final list included 850 companies from 48 countries.
