“In a company with over 1,000 employees, maintaining personal connections might seem challenging, but at AX Group, we prioritise creating an environment where every team member feels respected, appreciated, and integral to the company’s success”, commented Josephine Grima, Head of Human Resources at AX Group. Josephine shared her insights during a captivating panel discussion on employee retention at the Malta Chamber of SMEs Conference 2023.
As a family-run business, diversity and inclusivity are firmly embedded in AX Group’s values, a commitment reflected not only in our business portfolio but also in our multicultural workforce. Our open-door policy, extending from top executives to management, promotes transparent communication and interaction among all staff members.
Cultivating Open Communication and Celebrating Achievements
We believe that communication is the cornerstone of a thriving workplace. Through various channels such as Quarterly Townhall meetings, regular staff meetings, and ‘Let’s Talk’ sessions, we strive to keep our employees informed about company-wide developments and encourage their valuable contributions. Acknowledging individual and team accomplishments is pivotal to maintaining a positive workplace culture at AX Group, and we take pride in initiatives such as the annual AX Awards Night, Employee of the Month recognition, and Employee Spotlights featured on our AX Careers and Knowledge Centre platforms.
Building Teams: Nurturing and Attracting the Right Fit
Josephine emphasises the importance of understanding our employees’ aspirations. “Through one-on-one sessions, we delve into their expectations for personal growth and development within the Group. Creating tailored development plans is instrumental in helping our people enhance their skills and forge meaningful career paths to reach their full potential.”
“Retaining our talented individuals is yet another important aspect; it is not a destination but a continuous journey whereby we remain dedicated to fostering a positive employee experience through regular feedback, ample growth opportunities, and an inclusive environment,” she continued. This commitment ensures that each team member feels valued from day one.
Addressing the challenge of finding individuals with the right practical skills and cultural fit in today’s labour market is a priority across the Group. We tackle this challenge through a multifaceted approach, including strengthening our employer branding, leveraging employee referrals, utilizing various recruitment channels, and establishing partnerships with educational institutions, including MCAST, ITS, and the University of Malta.
Extending a Helping Hand Beyond the Office
Our commitment to giving back to society and extending that sense of community beyond the office is evident in the diverse social activities we organise. The annual calendar of events is designed to celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity, and offer a platform for employees to share experiences and forge meaningful connections. Whether it’s social activities, cultural celebrations, team building events or CSR initiatives, these activities contribute to a vibrant and supportive work culture, fostering interaction among employees beyond their immediate work circles.
In embracing these principles, here at AX Group, our dedication remains firm in creating a workplace that truly values every team member, appreciates our diverse strengths, and empowers each individual to contribute their best. Josephine concludes that “in essence, nurturing a thriving work environment is not just a goal—it’s who we are. It’s about creating a place where you matter, where your unique contribution is celebrated, and where our collective success is built on the strength of each one of us”.
