MarketPlace PHL Concourse Coordinator Janis Benson is known for her positive attitude and strong work ethic. She received an “Impression Makers” award from Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) Employee Recognition Program for exceeding her duties. Employees who deliver outstanding customer service are honored with this award.
As a concourse coordinator, Benson ensures the cleanliness of PHL Food and Shops’ various stores, restaurants, and food courts throughout the terminals. She has been at PHL for over one year and works the 2 – 10 p.m. shift.
“I’ve been dreaming about working at the airport since I was 18,” said Benson. “This is a wonderful environment. I like socializing with airport employees and seeing new faces.”
Benson demonstrates values of transcending expectations, customer-centrism, and prioritizing passenger needs.
In his nomination of Benson, Transdev employee Leonard Mayo stated, “While I was sitting in Terminal F, I had the pleasure to witness one of our PHL team members doing the right thing. Ms. Janis Benson observed someone had left their computer mouse on one of the counters and walked away. She quickly ran after the man to let him know he had left his computer mouse, and he replied that it wasn't his and had been there when he sat down. Janis apologized for disturbing him and returned to the counter. As the gentleman walked past me, he stated, ‘That was incredibly nice of her! At most airports, I see staff simply ignoring lost items as they don't want to be bothered or take responsibility for lost items.’” We smiled at each other, and he walked away. As I turned my head around, I observed Ms. Benson returning the mouse to the countertop. Two passengers approached the counter, and Janis kindly asked them if she could quickly wipe down and clean the countertop's surface for them to use. They both smiled, thanked her for doing so, and asked why she left a computer mouse there. Ms. Benson explained what had transpired and her reason for returning the mouse there. They exclaimed that they were both frequent travelers who had unknowingly left items behind, and wished more people would do what she just did! She smiled and humbly said 'thank you' while wiping down the counter and walking away. Her simple act had a profound effect on those with whom she had already interacted and everyone who silently observed what she did from a distance. So, from everyone that Janis impacted today, and me, thank you, Janis! You made PHL proud!”
Benson and her coworkers frequently communicate and work together to complete the job. She credits her managers for teaching her the skills she utilizes while working. “My managers, Kefa Achenchi and Celines Ortiz, make me feel welcome,” she said. “I’m happy to be here.”
Benson counts Marketplace PHL holiday parties and her first year at PHL as her most memorable moments. Her goal is maintaining a clean environment that keeps guests returning to PHL.
“I thank Leonard for nominating me for this award,” said Benson. “I also want to thank my managers and coworkers for their advice, motivation and for making me want to return to work every day. I especially want to thank Kefa for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. He’s the best boss I’ve ever had.”
The PHL Employee Recognition Program was established by the airport’s Guest Experience (GX) Department. Honorees are nominated by their peers and selected by the GX Council Steering Committee’s Employee Conduct and Recognition Committee. For more information about the program and to nominate an employee, click here.
