Author: SME Chamber

We are thrilled to share the insights gathered from this year’s SME conference, where we delved deep into the critical challenges faced by businesses today. In the midst of employee shortages, inflation, unfair competition, and the pressing need for skilful workforce, businesses are seeking effective solutions to ensure sustainability and growth. To address these concerns, we are excited to introduce our Employee Engagement Workshops – a transformative initiative designed to empower your organisation and elevate your team to new heights!

Introducing Lead to Engage:

As leaders, you play a pivotal role in nurturing an engaged and winning team. Our Employee Engagement workshop focuses on strategic goal-setting, aligning your team with your organisation’s mission and vision, and fostering a culture of collaboration and enthusiasm.

Key Workshop Highlights:

• Talent Management and Retention:
• Invest in Training: Enhance your employees’ skills and value through one of the EU Funding Schemes available, the Investing in Skills Scheme which provides funding for various training aimed at enhancing employee performance and empowering your team with the latest knowledge and techniques.
• Recognition and Rewards: Acknowledge outstanding performance and incentivise others to excel. By appreciating your employees’ efforts, you inspire a culture of continuous improvement and dedication.
• Work-Life Balance: Promote well-being within your organisation. By supporting work-life balance, you reduce burnout, enhance job satisfaction, and foster a motivated, high-performing team.
• Clear Career Path: Offer a transparent career progression roadmap. When employees understand their growth opportunities within the company, they are motivated to invest their skills and dedication, driving your business’s success.

Take Action Today!

Seize this opportunity to revolutionize your team’s dynamics and set your organisation on the path to success. By investing in our Employee Engagement Workshops, you’re not just addressing current challenges; you’re building a resilient, motivated workforce that will drive your company’s future growth.

Contact us at or call on 79903685 to book your workshop or to learn more about our tailored solutions. Let’s work together to transform your organisation into a hub of engaged, empowered, and enthusiastic employees.

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This year’s SME conference focused on current challenges being faced by various businesses including employee shortages, inflation, and intense competition.

With our Employee Engagement Workshops you can dive into strategic goal-setting, aligning your team with your mission, and fostering a culture of collaboration and enthusiasm. Invest in skills with EU Funding Schemes, recognize outstanding performance, and support work-life balance for a motivated team. Improve efficiency and empower employees with transparent growth opportunities, fuelling your business’s success! 🚀

Ready to transform your team and secure your company’s future? Act now! Contact us at or call on 79903685 to book your workshop or learn more about our tailored solutions.

Aġenzija Identità has emerged as a pivotal force in Malta’s identity management landscape, championing a strategic approach to work hand in hand with employers and assist in attracting high-quality workers, significantly fortifying Malta’s workforce. At the core of its achievements is a staunch commitment to fostering a workplace environment that prioritises excellence over sheer numbers.

Identità’s role in supporting employers across Malta has been instrumental. The agency’s emphasis on streamlining administrative processes, introducing cutting-edge technologies, and centralising customer support has empowered employers, making recruitment processes more efficient and enhancing overall operational effectiveness. This has translated into a more agile and responsive environment for employers seeking skilled individuals to contribute to the country’s economic prosperity.

Identità recognizes the paramount importance of supporting genuine employers while actively curbing abuse within the system. This commitment is reflected in the agency’s multifaceted approach, providing assistance to employers who genuinely seek to bring skilled workers to Malta while implementing stringent measures to prevent exploitation. A significant milestone is the launch of an expedited service designed to attract exceptional talent. The Specialist Employee Initiative presents an optimised recruitment channel, streamlining procedures to enhance efficiency and promptness for employers in pursuit of highly-skilled professionals, further solidifying Malta’s allure as a destination for skilled talent.

Another significant milestone in Identità’s journey has been the introduction of the Skills Card. This innovative initiative, set to launch in January, is designed to elevate the standard of foreign workers entering Malta. By scrutinising applicants’ skills and qualifications, the Skills Card aims to ensure that incoming workers contribute meaningfully to the Tourism industry, a strong economic pillar for the Maltese islands. This strategic move aligns with Identità’s vision of attracting a workforce distinguished by quality rather than sheer quantity. Our commitment is not solely aimed at helping employers attract top-tier talent but also safeguarding the interests of employers and employees alike.

Another notable initiative is the agency’s increased emphasis on inspections and the reinforcement of its Compliance Unit. By bolstering its monitoring and compliance mechanisms, Identità is proactively addressing potential abuses within the system. This aligns with the agency’s broader vision of fostering a work environment characterised by fairness, accountability, and respect for both employers and workers.

The Maltese Government has taken additional steps in recognising the importance of regulating labour markets and ensuring a focus on skilled workers. The forthcoming regulations on temping agencies underline the commitment to attracting the right talent, with Identità playing a pivotal role in the implementation of these regulations. By addressing the loopholes in the recruitment process, Malta aims to create a framework that places emphasis on quality and competence.

Moreover, Identità’s collaboration with the Malta Chamber of SMEs has been pivotal in shaping policies that align with the needs of the business community. The agency’s active involvement in discussions and its receptiveness to industry feedback underline its dedication to creating an environment conducive to business growth and sustainability.

Aġenzija Identità’s achievements stand as a testament to its commitment in standing side by side with the employers and the employees. By prioritising quality, adopting innovative solutions, and collaborating with key stakeholders such as the Chamber of SMEs, Identità is not merely an identity management agency but a driving force propelling Malta towards a future defined by excellence and prosperity.

By Joanne Bondin

Employee engagement isn’t just a phrase; it’s what makes a workplace thrive. It’s the emotional connection employees feel towards their job, company, and colleagues. This connection goes beyond just working—it’s about contributing to a shared vision for collective success.

A thriving workplace is built on a strong connection between employees and their organization. It’s not just about doing a job; it’s about working together towards a common goal, resulting in higher productivity and job satisfaction.

The essential components of Employee Engagement encompass several key elements. Firstly, effective communication serves as a cornerstone for a thriving workplace. The foundation of a successful organization relies on transparent and open communication, enabling the free flow of ideas, fostering collaboration, and instilling a sense of value among employees.

Secondly, recognition plays a pivotal role in sustaining engagement. Consistently acknowledging and appreciating employees is paramount, contributing significantly to heightened morale, a sense of pride, and increased commitment. This ongoing recognition not only boosts individual spirits but also nurtures a positive and motivated workforce.

Subsequently, an integral aspect of employee engagement involves providing ample development opportunities. Growth is intrinsically tied to engagement, and offering clear pathways for learning enables employees to enhance their skills, ensuring their continued relevance and effectiveness in their roles.

Lastly, the key element of employee engagement includes Human Relations and Work-Life Balance. Cultivating positive relationships within the workplace fosters a healthy and supportive environment. By nurturing camaraderie among colleagues and maintaining a balance between professional and personal life, organizations can ensure a fulfilling and satisfying professional experience for their employees. These elements collectively contribute to a robust and engaging work culture, ultimately driving organizational success and employee satisfaction.

Why National Benchmarks Matter:

Moving beyond the internal workings of an organization, it becomes crucial to examine the level of engagement on a national scale. The question may arise: why is this assessment important? The significance lies in the fact that comparing engagement levels to established benchmarks provides a clear goal for surpassing industry standards. By doing so, the organization not only strives for excellence but also positions itself as a leader within the larger context of its field. This broader perspective allows for a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s standing, fostering continuous improvement and a commitment to achieving and maintaining industry leadership.

Furthermore, leveraging national benchmarks not only facilitates the identification of prevailing trends but also enables organizations to promptly address emerging issues and enhance workplace dynamics. This proactive approach not only fosters a positive work environment but also positions companies to gain a competitive advantage in the market. By consistently surpassing national engagement levels, organizations distinguish themselves, ultimately attracting and retaining top-tier talent.

Consequently, national benchmarks serve as a valuable resource for making well-informed decisions. By aligning strategies with the prevailing trends in the country, organizations ensure that their approach remains relevant and adaptable. This strategic alignment not only enhances short-term performance but also contributes to long-term competitiveness. Embracing national benchmarks as a

guiding tool empowers organizations to navigate the dynamic landscape, staying agile and resilient in the face of evolving workplace and industry dynamics.

In summary, within a flourishing workplace, employee engagement serves as the harmonious tune that transforms individual efforts into a unified masterpiece. Through the adoption of crucial elements and recognizing the significance of national benchmarks, organizations not only cultivate a dynamic workforce but also establish themselves as industry leaders. It represents a journey toward excellence where success is not merely an objective but an intrinsic aspect of a vibrant workplace culture.

*Sponsored article by Misco Malta

It’s crucial to always review your payslip to ensure accuracy and understand your earnings fully. A comprehensive payslip should contain essential details such as employer information, a breakdown of wages, sick leave periods, and your remaining leave balance.

Your payslip serves as a vital tool for transparency and accountability in your employment. It should clearly identify your employer, including their contact information, to facilitate communication and address any concerns promptly. The breakdown of wages should outline your basic salary, detailing any additional payments or deductions, such as taxes and contributions.

Monitoring sick leave periods on your payslip helps keep track of your health-related absences, ensuring proper compensation and adherence to company policies. Likewise, knowing your accrued leave balance helps plan time off effectively.

Joining the SME Chamber can empower both employers and employees to foster a fair and progressive work environment in Malta.

This initiative, supported by the Norway Grant 2014-2021 through the Social Dialogue and Decent Work Programme, aims to enhance employment practices and contribute to Malta’s economic development.

Together with the SME Chamber, let’s strive towards a more informed and equitable workforce, driving positive change in our employment landscape.

Visit www.blackfridaymalta.eu for the latest Black Friday offers in Malta.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs launched this year’s Black Friday campaign. For this year’s edition, the SME Chamber has once again presented the website www.blackfridaymalta.eu with this year’s offers. This platform is designed to promote businesses’ Black Friday offers while also providing an easy tool for customers to search for deals.

Customers will also have the opportunity to win and benefitting even further, simply by registering on www.blackfridaymalta.eu as over 200 vouchers will be drawn.
This initiative was inaugurated during a press conference addressed by the Minister for Inclusion, Voluntary Organisations, and Consumer Rights, Hon. Julia Farrugia Portelli, and MCCAA Director Ms. Grace Stivala.

Paul Abela, President of the SME Chamber, emphasized that Black Friday makes November a crucial month for businesses. He encouraged more businesses to showcase their offers on the new website.

Abigail Mamo, CEO of the Malta Chamber, said that Black Friday has become the most important period for shopping and we make sure that businesses and consumers make the most of it. Shopping in Malta has become very attractive and competitive. When one considers that there is no delivery to pay and the product is obtained within a day or two, this is surely a big advantage. Another important consideration is that should one need to change the product, this is once again sorted within the shortest timeframe, without having to worry about return costs and how to solve more complicated issues with a cross-border dynamic. Black Friday is an occasion of celebration and it should come with the most convenience and peace of mind.

Over 170 businesses are participating in this initiative from over 25 different sectors.

Customers will have the opportunity to search for offers either by category and sector or by the percentage of the discount, with available discounts of up to 70%, including free services.

Businesses can include their offers by creating an account on www.blackfridaymalta.eu.