Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Carmelo Abela announced the opening of applications for the Worker of the Year Award 2021, with the chosen theme; “We acknowledge our workers’ contribution”. This edition will be organised under the auspices of President of Malta George Vella.
At a conference at the Baxter Malta factory, winners of the 2020 Award for the Organisation that Operates and Promotes Family-Friendly Measures, Minister Abela stated that the Worker of the Year Award is an important occasion which rewards the workers’ diligence, and in which one stops and appreciates the work of others, and the dedication and sacrifices that those around us make in order to ensure the best working conditions for their colleagues and employees, through respect, equality and exemplary leadership. This commitment is even more significant in situations of difficulties that the worker and employer are experiencing against the backdrop of the pandemic.
In this year’s edition, there will be nine categories, five of which are new. All categories are:
Award for the Organisation which Promotes the Right Environment, Benefits, and Working Conditions for Parents 2021;
Award for the Best Female Entrepreneur 2021;
Award for the Best Male Entrepreneur 2021;
Award for the Most Inspiring Youth Leader 2021;
Award for the Most Inclusive Organisation 2021;
Award for the Most Sustainable Company 2021;
Team of the Year 2021;
Manager/Head of the Year 2021;
National Workers of the Year Award 2021.
In this edition, the award for the Organisation which Promotes the Right Environment, Benefits, and Working Conditions for Parents 2021 has been introduced, for the organisation which has family-friendly measures, and which supports working parents by creating a positive context of motivation and engagement.
Another category introduced this year is the Award for the Best Female Entrepreneur 2021, which will reward that enterprise which recognises women’s contribution at leadership level. Similarly, the Award for the Best Male Entrepreneur 2021 is being introduced to recognise male workers who enrich the creativity and innovation of various enterprises and improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the workplace under their responsibility. Another award is the one towards the most Inspiring Youth Leader 2021, as well as the Award for the Most Inclusive Organisation 2021.
A special prize awarded by the Minister will join the aforementioned awards. This prize is a different one which is not open to applications, but instead will be chosen and awarded by the minister. Following the selection process by the board, the same board will forward three applications to the Minister, one of which will be selected. The rationale behind this award is to provide a further opportunity for sone to be recognised for their crucial work during the year.
The application process is online, as for the first time the eID system will be utilised to speed up the application process. Further information about the application process, as well as the application itself, are available on the website www.msd.gov.mt.
