MEMBER SHOWCASE: Malta HR Association

You represent the Foundation for Human Resource Development in Malta, what is unique/typical about your country?

Malta, situated in the heart of the Mediterranean, is known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a thriving economy. Its strategic location, membership in the European Union, and a well-educated workforce have made it an attractive destination for businesses across various sectors. As the business environment evolves, HR management in Malta faces new challenges and opportunities.

What are main challenges for HR in your country, for the time being and looking into the future?

As in many other countries, Human Resources (HR) professionals in Malta encounter a variety of challenges in managing the workforce and ensuring that their organisations achieve their objectives.

Some of the most significant HR challenges in Malta include:

• Talent Acquisition and Retention: The job market in Malta is competitive, and attracting and retaining competent talent can be difficult, especially in industries such as IT, finance, and gaming. To meet this challenge, HR professionals must devise effective recruitment and retention strategies.
• Diversity of the Workforce: Malta’s workforce is becoming increasingly diverse, with expatriates and foreign employees making significant contributions to the labour market. To ensure a harmonious workplace, HR must manage cultural differences, language barriers, and integration issues.
• It is difficult to address the skills gap, particularly in emerging industries such as technology and finance. Human Resources must create training and development programmes to upskill the current personnel and close the skills gap.
• Employee Engagement It can be difficult to engage employees and nurture a positive company culture. HR must develop employee engagement, motivation, and satisfaction strategies to increase productivity and decrease turnover.
• Developing effective leadership within organisations is essential for their long-term success. Human resources professionals must identify and cultivate leadership potential in the workforce.
• Similar to many other developed nations, Malta confronts the challenge of an ageing workforce. To ensure continuity, HR professionals must manage the retirement transition, succession planning, and knowledge transfer.
• Adoption of Technology: HR technology is rapidly evolving, and it can be challenging to remain abreast of new tools and systems to streamline HR processes, from recruitment to payroll and employee management.
• Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to EU labor laws and Maltese employment regulations is essential, particularly with regard to remote work and data privacy.

In a few sentences, how would you describe the Maltese HR Association?

Malta Foundation for Human Resources Development. FHRD was set up in 1990 to spearhead the evolution of people management and development practices as well as the human resources profession in Malta. The Foundation is an autonomous, private, independent body. The Foundation works in partnership with its corporate members, the professional conglomerate of HR practitioners and service providers, leaders of the industry, and other key local players in the field of human resources management and development.

FHRD is all about people; in fact, FHRD’s vision is to serve the nation’s workforce with the best standards and practises of human resources management, so that it can operate at its full potential through rewarding and fulfilling productive activity, in collaboration with others, while generating the highest return on investment and prosperity for the nation.

As an organisation, what are your main activities?

• Association of HR Practitioners
  • Corporate Membership
  • Professional Membership Scheme

• Continuous Professional Development Programmes
• Academic Programmes
• HR Quality Mark
• Networking and Events

What are your challenges

• As a voluntary organisation, our greatest challenges are resources and funds.

What are your ambitions for the future

The long-term goal of the foundation is to improve the standard of human resources professionals in Malta. Infact The Malta Foundation for Human Resources Development (FHRD) has launched a new Professional Membership Scheme which will allow HR professionals to get recognised by FHRD for their level of HR Competence. This falls in line with FHRD’s mission to set national standards in the development of human resources in Malta. The scheme was unveiled in January 2024 by FHRD President Matthew Naudi and myself during a press conference. While there are no changes to the corporate membership scheme currently in place, the FHRD Professional Membership Scheme is a comprehensive revamp of the individual membership scheme that was in place until the 31st of December 2023.

The Professional Membership Scheme has three levels: Associate, Fellow, and a membership developed exclusively for students seeking a career in human resources. Prospective candidates will have the opportunity to submit applications for any level, provided that they meet the specified eligibility conditions.

Key Features of the Professional Membership Scheme include:

• A website specifically tailored to serve as a comprehensive platform for all Human Resources stakeholders.
• Exclusive Access to Industry Insights: Members will gain privileged access to cutting-edge research and articles by experts in the field, providing them with a competitive edge in their professional endeavours.
• Tailored Professional Development Opportunities: The scheme will offer a range of workshops, seminars, and training sessions conducted by industry experts to enhance members’ skills and knowledge.
• Networking Events and Forums: Members will have the opportunity to connect with professionals, industry leaders, and experts through exclusive networking events, fostering collaboration and partnerships.

Are there any things you are especially proud of, on behalf of your Association and Country?

Yes. Increasing in number of delegates in each of our events, launching the Professional Membership Scheme, having more orgabisations seaking the HRQM certification plus an increase in the number of students enrolling in our Accredited Progarmmes.

What does the European and EAPM community mean to you?

The EAPM serves as a network association and acts as the governing entity for human resource management and the people profession in Europe. It serves as a coordinating body, bringing together various national HR-related entities to create a platform for sharing experiences without pursuing financial gain or commercial interests. The EAPM operates solely as a professional and non-profit organisation, ensuring its independence from employers, trade unions, government, or political entities. FHRD aligns with the same principles, and it is crucial that our organisation is a fundamental component of this network alliance.

Fun facts about your Association/ Country?

I’m a workaholic and obsessed with healthy eating 😊