Research carried out by the University of British Columbia shows that, enterprises which implement flexible work arrangements not only provide a healthier work environment for their employees but also contribute to increased productivity. As coordinator of the SHIFT project (Supporting Human Resources in Family Friendly Training, funded by the Leonardo Mobility PLM Programme), the Malta Business Bureau is seeking to increase awareness of the benefits of taking on such arrangements amongst Maltese enterprises. MBB, together with MISCO, will also be embarking on a study to explore the current take-up of such practices and the obstacles that limit these measures within the private sector.

Many companies across the EU have shown an increased interest in adopting flexible work arrangements which has led to increased productivity. Companies from various sectors, in several member states, have invested heavily in this field and have reaped significant results as a consequence. Member states such as Denmark and Germany are two such examples, and are in fact global leaders in this field.

Encouraged by these accomplishments, the EU has recognised the importance of adopting flexible work arrangements that could bring forward a solid and most productive labour market. To this end, the EU has formulated its 2020 Strategy that encourages member states to implement flexible work arrangements. Despite this, the implementation of such measures by the Maltese private sector still needs to be greatly developed and made use of. As a result, Maltese industry is not benefitting from the increased levels of productivity that other member states are already acquiring.

In light of this, the MBB is working to support its members and local business to create a healthy workforce through the implementation of family friendly measures. The objective of the SHIFT project is therefore to support professionals in the human resources field to acquire best practices of flexible work and family friendly arrangements. It also serves to address the lack of awareness when it comes to innovative methods in implementing such measures within the local private sector.

Thanks to EU assistance, local HR professionals have travelled overseas to countries advanced in the implementation of human resource best practices, to garner first-hand experience, in hope of having similar measures implemented in the local industry. This mobility project has not only helped to bridge the gap between local and foreign HR best practices, but has also created professional links that could be upheld to allow further communication and guidance on best practices.

The project is now transitioning to a communications effort to diffuse knowledge gathered when in Denmark and Germany to other local HR professionals. Beneficiaries of overseas visits will aid the communications exercise by taking part in knowledge-sharing actions. The information gathered will then be used to aid local businesses in overcoming such obstacles so as to achieve an increased implementation of flexible work arrangements and family friendly measures leading to increased productivity.

Interested individuals will be able to discuss the issue and identify problems and solutions with local HR professionals at a Master Class to be led by the MBB during the Foundation for Human Resource Development’s (FHRD) National Annual Conference on Friday 5 October.

Mariella Scicluna is MBB Executive – SHIFT Project Manager