Vassallo Group, one of the largest groups of companies in Malta, organised a cultural diversity day across the whole group. This initiative came about due to the fact that today the group employs individuals from over 50 countries across all continents.

A communication campaign preceded the actual day. It focused on the need to recognize and appreciate the cultural differences of employees at the place of work. Cultural problems can range from miscommunication to actual conflict, all endangering effective worker productivity and performance. Developing cultural appreciation and competence results in an ability to understand, communicate and effectively interact with people across cultures, and work with varying cultural beliefs.

The day reached its climax during a special event for which employees were invited to come dressed in national costume, prepare food typical of their country and perform a traditional song or dance. The response to this initiative was overwhelming resulting in a very vibrant and colourful event. Everybody had the opportunity to taste the different dishes prepared and appreciate the variety of costumes colleagues wore for the occasion. Participants also experienced the different languages as expressed in the different folk songs and poems performed during the event as well as the traditional dance routines prepared by some of the employees.

Commenting on the initiative the group's director of HR, Charlo Bonnici said: "The response to this initiative was indicative of our employees' eagerness to get to know better the cultural backgrounds of colleagues they work with. I am proud to say that despite this cultural diversity we rarely have any issues whatsoever. Our employees focus on the job they have to do and work as a team irrespective as of any differences that may exist. Diversity is after all one of our most cherished core values."