Prime Minister Robert Abela visited the people behind the Employee Support Programme on Wednesday. 4,188 public service workers have benefitted from this programme since its establishment.
The Employee Support Programme (ESP) is a service available to people working in public administration that offers them free, professional, psychological, and emotional support. Between 2025 and 2026, over 5,500 support sessions were held. This service offers confidential and free assistance, including counselling, psychological help, as well as assistance for those workers returning to the workplace and trauma support.
During this visit, the Prime Minister met with professionals and workers who offer these services on a daily basis and had the opportunity to discuss their work and the support provided to workers who are going through personal, emotional, and/or workplace-related challenges.
According to figures, 464 people used ESP services in 2025 and another 341 people resorted to this support by October 2026.
Prime Minister Abela stressed that investment in workers must not stop at their working conditions and salary improvements, but that it must also factor in their wellbeing.
"Our workers must know that when they face difficulties, both at work and in their personal lives, there are people are ready to listen to them and give them the help they need. The fact that more than 4,100 people have already made use of this service shows how important it is that we continue to invest in this support," the Prime Minister said.
Another aspect discussed during the PM Abela's visit was the People 360 initiative, which continues promoting a more positive and inclusive work environment, with an emphasis on prevention, training, and practices that place employees at the centre of their decisions. These two initiatives were said to complement each other so that workers are given the tools and support they need in their professional and personal lives.
The Prime Minister pledged that his government will continue to bolster these types of services, "because we believe that a worker who feels supported is also a worker who can reach their potential and provide the best service to citizens."
Prime Minister Abela concluded this visit by thanking the professionals and workers at the Employee Support Programme for their dedication, while encouraging all public service workers to make use of services available should they need them. He reiterated that his government prioritises quality of life, and so it must not only invest in having more efficient public services, but also in the wellbeing of the people manning them.
Accompanying the Prime Minister were Principal Permanent Secretary Tony Sultana and the Permanent Secretary within the Office of the Prime Minister (People and Standards), Joyce Cassar.