A journal bearing for a gas turbine engine is described. The journal extends along a central axis from a first axial end face to a second axial end face thereof, and has at least one undercut defined circumferentially about the central axis in one of the first and second axial end faces. The undercut extends toward the other one of the first and second axial end faces of the journal. A stiffening member extends across the undercut to interconnect opposite surfaces thereof. Also described, a journal bearing comprising a tubular body extending axially along a central axis, where the tubular body has a first and a second opposite axial end faces with holes projecting into the first axial end face toward the second axial end face and having a finite depth. The holes are circumferentially disposed about the central axis, and respective webs of material are defined between adjacent holes. A method of operating a journal bearing is also provided.