More than 5,500 support sessions for Public Administration workers during 2025 and 2026
Prime Minister Robert Abela visited the workers of the Employee Support Programme (ESP), a service that offers free professional, psychological and emotional support to Public Administration workers.
During the visit, it was announced that between 2025 and 2026, more than 5,500 support sessions were held, while since the establishment of this service, a total of 4,188 people have benefited.
During the visit, the Prime Minister met with the professionals and workers who offer these services on a daily basis, where he also had the opportunity to discuss their work and the support provided to workers who are going through personal, emotional or workplace-related challenges.
Figures show that during 2025, 464 people made use of ESP services, while during 2026, up to October, another 341 people resorted to this support. This service offers confidential and free assistance, including counselling services, psychological support, assistance to workers returning to the workplace and help in traumatic situations.
Prime Minister Robert Abela stressed that investment in workers cannot stop at just working conditions and salary improvements, but must also include their well-being.
“When we talk about a strong Public Service, we must talk first and foremost about the people who give it life. Our workers should know that when they face difficulty, both at work and in their personal lives, there are those ready to listen to them and give them the help they need. The fact that more than 4,100 people have already made use of this service shows how important it is that we continue to invest in this support,” the Prime Minister said.
Meanwhile, during the Prime Minister’s visit, it was also explained that the People 360 initiative is continuing to promote a more positive and inclusive work environment, with an emphasis on prevention, training and practices that place workers at the centre of decisions. These two initiatives complement each other to provide workers with the necessary tools and support in both their professional and personal lives.
“In recent years we have taken important steps to improve the conditions of Public Service workers, including through new collective agreements. But quality of life also means peace of mind and emotional well-being. Therefore, we will continue to strengthen such services, because we believe that a worker who feels supported is also a worker who can reach his potential and provide the best service to the citizen,” said Prime Minister Robert Abela.
At the end of the visit, the Prime Minister thanked the professionals and workers of the ESP for their dedication, while encouraging all Public Administration workers to make use of the available services whenever they feel the need.
He reiterated that a Government that prioritizes quality of life must continue to invest not only in more efficient public services, but also in the well-being of the people who provide them.
Present with the Prime Minister during this visit were the Principal Permanent Secretary Mr Tony Sultana and the Permanent Secretary within the Office of the Prime Minister (People and Standards) Dr Joyce Cassar.
Photos: OPM
