Aquatic Resources Malta has launched the WE FIRST Wellbeing Framework, a new framework designed to enhance employee well-being where the worker continues to be listened to, supported and given the opportunity to develop professionally.
The launch was held by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Supply, Anton Refalo, together with the CEO of Aquatic Resources Malta, Dr Frank Fabri.
The WE FIRST Wellbeing Framework is built on four key pillars that address the physical, psychological and emotional, social and professional wellbeing of employees. Through it, Aquatic Resources Malta is committed to ensuring that wellbeing is no longer tied to individual or occasional initiatives, but becomes an integral part of the Agency’s culture and daily operations.
The framework gives particular importance to mental health in the workplace, including through measures to reduce the stigma associated with mental health, and also addresses bullying, harassment and discrimination, work-life balance and opportunities for professional development, among others.
Minister Anton Refalo said that, “Behind every service, every project, every research and every success of Aquatic Resources Malta are the workers. We are investing in research, innovation, technology, but more than that we are continuing to invest in our workers. Investing in wellbeing is an investment in quality, because a worker who feels respected, appreciated and supported is in a better position to develop, innovate and deliver a quality service.”
Chief Executive Frank Fabri stressed that after the significant progress made in the Agency’s first 30 months, it is now time for the Agency to continue to build on what has been achieved and look more ambitiously towards the future. He explained that while the Agency’s vision ‘VisionARM 2050’ is giving a clear direction for the Agency’s long-term development, the ‘WE FIRST’ framework places employees and their well-being at the centre of this journey. Dr Fabri emphasised that every employee has an important role to play in ensuring that the Agency continues to grow, innovate and achieve ever better results. “Our vision becomes a reality when we work together, grow together and continue to build an Agency where people not only work well, but also feel good and thrive.”
The framework also includes accountability and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that the commitment is translated into concrete results. These include an Organisational Culture Audit, wellbeing surveys, employee feedback, as well as analysis of indicators, among others. The policy will be reviewed every two years or sooner, as necessary.
Link to the video: https://www.swisstransfer.com/dl/01a057da-1ae5-7338-abf2-3f2f171a183e
