Leadership Wellbeing and Workplace Survey: Insights from Malta’s Employers and Employees
Workplace wellbeing and leadership are central to organisational success, yet they remain ongoing challenges for businesses in Malta. In response, the Willingness Team partnered with The Malta Chamber to conduct a large-scale survey exploring the realities of employer–employee relationships and leadership wellbeing across Malta.
In collaboration with
About the Survey
This research project ran for 18 months and involved hundreds of participants: CEOs, managers, and employees from various sectors. The survey was designed to examine perceptions, challenges, and sources of stress within Maltese organisations. Findings were presented at the “Who is Taking Care of the Boss?” conference in Valletta in May 2025.
Key Findings
- Workplace Culture: The survey highlights the need to improve two-way communication and foster a culture of appreciation.a
- Perception Gap: There is a notable difference between how management and staff view leadership. Most employers feel confident in their leadership and would like more initiative from employees. However, employees often report unmet needs in communication, feedback, and recognition.
- Burnout Among Leaders: 90% of CEOs surveyed reported high workloads, while 77% experienced significant stress. Around half of managers and a third of employees felt their leaders were “too stressed”, reflecting concerns about widespread burnout.
Conference: “Who is Taking Care of the Boss?”
An event co-organised by Willingness and The Malta Chamber to present the results of the Leadership Wellbeing Survey, focusing on mental health and workplace realities for leaders in Malta.
What Do These Results Mean?
The results show that stress and communication challenges are common at all levels within organisations. Employers may not always be aware of the daily realities faced by their staff, and employees may not feel empowered to share feedback. These gaps can contribute to stress and lower morale across teams.
Recommendations
- Establish regular forums and anonymous feedback channels for open communication.
- Encourage a culture of appreciation through frequent recognition and 360-degree feedback.
- Support work–life balance with clear boundaries and right-to-disconnect policies.
- Invest in training on soft skills and mental health awareness for leaders and staff.
Conference and Dissemination
These findings were presented at the “Who is Taking Care of the Boss?” conference, organised by The Malta Chamber and the Willingness Team. Matthew Bartolo (Willingness founder and Chair of the Chamber’s Health and Wellness Committee) and Danica Cassar (Willingness partner and health psychologist) discussed the results and highlighted the importance of safeguarding leaders’ mental health for the wellbeing of the entire workplace.
Media Coverage and Further Reading
