Workplace Well-being Review: Findings from Maltese Employer and Employee Perspectives
In a revealing survey conducted by Team in partnership with The Malta Chamber, more than half of bosses admitted feeling 'burnt out', while 90% of CEOs reported high workloads and 77% experienced significant stress during their work. These findings were presented at the "Who is Taking Care of the Boss?" conference, which focused on mental health and workplace realities for leaders in Malta.
The survey, which ran for 18 months and involved hundreds of participants from various sectors, also highlighted a notable difference between how management and staff view leadership. Around half of managers and a third of employees felt their leaders were "too stressed".
Employees often report unmet needs in communication, feedback, and recognition, while stress and communication challenges are prevalent at all organizational levels. Encouraging a culture of appreciation through frequent recognition and 360-degree feedback is suggested to address these issues.
Matthew Bartolo, Team founder and Chair of the Chamber's Health and Wellness Committee, and Danica Cassar, Team partner and health psychologist, discussed the survey results at the conference. They emphasized the importance of safeguarding leaders' mental health for the wellbeing of the entire workplace.
To improve the workplace culture, it is recommended to encourage open communication, foster a supportive environment, and recognise employee achievements. Effective communication is crucial for building trust and ensuring that leaders and employees are aligned on goals and challenges. Implementing regular feedback sessions, transparent updates, and diverse communication channels can engage all stakeholders.
Leaders often face high levels of stress and require dedicated mental health support. Offering accessible mental health services, normalizing discussions about mental health, and ensuring confidential support systems are in place are key recommendations to support leaders' mental health.
Promoting work-life balance, providing resources for stress management, and encouraging leaders to prioritize self-care are also crucial in preventing burnout. Establishing regular forums and anonymous feedback channels for open communication can help create a more supportive and productive workplace.
By addressing these issues, Maltese organisations can create a healthier and more productive work environment for their leaders and employees alike.
Mental health and workplace wellbeing are significant concerns for leaders in Malta, as demonstrated by a survey revealing that over half of bosses feel burnt out, and 90% of CEOs report high workloads and significant stress. This survey also revealed a gap in perception between management and staff regarding leadership, with both groups identifying leaders as "too stressed."
To improve the workplace culture, it is recommended to encourage open communication, foster a supportive environment, and recognize employee achievements. Effective communication is crucial for building trust and aligning leaders and employees on goals and challenges.
In addition, offering accessible mental health services, normalizing discussions about mental health, and ensuring confidential support systems are in place are key recommendations to support leaders' mental health. Promoting work-life balance, providing resources for stress management, and encouraging self-care are also crucial in preventing burnout.
By addressing these issues and creating a healthier work environment that supports both leaders and employees, Maltese organizations can fosters productivity and overall wellbeing.
