Express Trailers records 89.9% staff retention rate, citing people-centric HR strategy

Tuesday, 27 January 2026, 09:34 Last update: about 7 months ago

Romina Vella (second from right) with her HR team at Express Trailers.

In 2025, Express Trailers reported a staff retention rate of 89.9%, significantly outperforming industry norms in a sector traditionally characterised by high employee turnover. The result was attributed to a structured people strategy focused on wellbeing, internal communication, and inclusive leadership.

Romina Vella, Head of Human Resources, said the retention figure reflected deliberate and sustained investment in the employee experience rather than short-term incentives.

"This outcome was the result of structured HR initiatives, clear processes, and a leadership philosophy grounded in empathy, consistency, and fairness," said Vella who has been heading the company's HR function for the past three years.

As part of this approach, Express Trailers recently revised its office working hours, with employees now working between 08:00 and 16:30. The change was introduced to support a healthier work-life balance and forms part of a broader wellbeing framework implemented across the organisation.

Ms Vella explained that workforce diversity also played a central role in strengthening engagement and retention. Across its Malta operations, its logistics hub in Genoa, and its Europe-wide driver network, Express Trailers employed individuals representing 14 nationalities.

"This diversity was never treated as a statistic but as a reflection of our values of inclusion and collaboration," she said. "Collectively, our employees' unique perspectives drove operational excellence and innovation across the company."

The company's wellbeing initiatives extended beyond working hours. In 2025, Express Trailers launched a series of wellbeing programmes in partnership with Sedqa, addressing topics such as stress management, substance awareness, and mental health, aimed at supporting employees in a fast-paced operational environment.

Chief Executive Officer Etienne Attard said the company viewed its people strategy as a core business driver rather than a peripheral initiative.

"Our employees have always been our greatest asset," Mr Attard said. "They help us understand how a strong internal voice and a culture that prioritises wellbeing continues to be one of our major competitive advantages."