Aquatic Resources Malta has launched a new wellbeing framework aimed at  strengthening employee wellbeing and placing workers at the centre of the agency's culture and daily operations.

The WE FIRST Wellbeing Framework focuses on four areas of wellbeing: physical, psychological and emotional, social, and professional, with measures addressing mental health, bullying, harassment and discrimination, work-life balance and professional development.

The framework was launched by Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Supply Minister Anton Refalo and Aquatic Resources Malta CEO Dr Frank Fabri.

Refalo said employees were behind the agency's services, projects, research and successes, stressing that investment in workers was just as important as investment in research, innovation and technology.

"Investing in wellbeing is an investment in quality," Refalo said, adding that workers who feel respected, appreciated and supported are better positioned to develop, innovate and provide a quality service.

The framework is intended to move employee wellbeing away from individual or occasional initiatives and make it an integral part of Aquatic Resources Malta's organisational culture.

Particular emphasis is being placed on mental health in the workplace, including efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, while also addressing workplace bullying, harassment and discrimination.

It also promotes a healthier work-life balance and opportunities for employees to develop professionally.

Fabri said the framework came as the agency looked to build on the progress made during its first 30 months and take a more ambitious approach towards its future.

He said the agency's VisionARM 2050 provides a long-term direction for its development, while the WE FIRST framework ensures that employees and their wellbeing remain central to that journey.

Fabri stressed that every employee has an important role in helping the agency grow, innovate and achieve better results.

"Our vision becomes a reality when we work together, grow together and continue to build an Agency where people not only work well, but also feel well and thrive," he said.

The framework also introduces accountability and monitoring mechanisms, including organisational culture audits, wellbeing surveys, employee feedback and analysis of relevant indicators.

Aquatic Resources Malta said the policy will be reviewed every two years, or earlier if necessary.