Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Carmelo Abela and Minister for the Environment, Planning and Climate Change Aaron Farrugia participated in an MCESD meeting held in conjunction with the Malta Business Bureau (MBB) which discussed a study by Dr Marie Briguglio on work from home.
The study looked at the implications of work from home for businesses and the environment in Malta, and was financed by the government through both ministries. Present for the meeting launching this study were the MCESD members comprising of representatives of trade unions and employer organisations.
In the context of a year in which working from home not only became widespread but necessary due to the pandemic and the mitigation measures that followed, the rationale of the study reflects the need to examine the implications of work from home in Malta.
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Carmelo Abela stated that work from home is important to the Ministry that he leads due to this being only the first step towards a more dynamic labour market and for the acceptance of wider and newer forms of work that suit today’s and tomorrow’s needs.
“This is why as Minister responsible for conditions of work, we started individual consultations with the social partners to understand the changes that are occurring and which have been accelerated by the pandemic. Eventually, we reached a stage where a working group within MCESD was established which has prepared a report which is currently being evaluated by an expert in this field,” stated Minister Abela.
The Minister added, however, that any changes in the style of work brought about by these developments, have to be done in a way that respects the competitive nature of our economy. This can be done by agreements with employees and workers and not through imposition. He added that it is important that legislation is updated and in this regard the first draft has already been received which will be discussed and worked upon with all social partners.
Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning Aaron Farrugia said that from an environmental perspective, telework is considered to be an effective means to reduce pollution, something which complements the upcoming Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which is currently being finalised by the Ministry.
The Minister said that the environmental benefits of such a measure are significant. In fact, a 50% decline in pollution was registered a few months into the pandemic.
“This is why we have teamed up with MBB whom I commend for having identified the need to assess further the opportunity to analyse the impact that teleworking has had. We are seeing new challenges and opportunities, certainly so from the perspective of climate change and improved environment in terms of emissions reductions but also in terms of the need for more urban green spaces. My ministry has taken up the challenge in this respect and we have embarked on a number of projects to enhance the green urban environment,” Minister Farrugia said.
MBB President Simon De Cesare stated: “Some salient points already stand out to me. The need to train employees and equip them with the necessary skills to work efficiently and safely from home; the need to facilitate socialisation and team building through online means; and the opportunity to rethink or re-purpose office space will all be driving factors which will allow working from home to succeed in the long term.”
