This October marked a defining moment for Bigbon Group, as the organisation was formally awarded the HR Quality Mark during the Foundation for Human Resources Development’s (FHRD) HR-Ignite Conference.

Developed by the FHRD to evaluate and recognise excellence in HR practices, the certification positions Bigbon Group at the forefront of people-centric business strategy within Malta’s retail sector.

The HR Quality Mark represents a holistic framework that encompasses internal and external recognition, employer branding, and talent attraction.

For Bigbon Group, the certification is the culmination of years of deliberate investment in its people, championed by the HR cluster under the leadership of Catherine Psaila.

In an industry where competition for top talent is relentless, Bigbon Group has consistently worked to stand out as the retail sector’s Employer of Choice. At the heart of its organisational development lies a people-first philosophy, a commitment to equipping employees with the skills, opportunities, and support systems necessary for both professional growth and personal wellbeing.

This approach is a core value that shapes how the Group operates, grows, and sustains its business, ensuring organisational performance that is both resilient and future-ready.

Bigbon Group recognises that the strength of its business lies in the health, resilience, and sense of purpose of its people. The organisation has built a comprehensive Wellbeing Strategy that combines preventive health, mental health support, and volunteering as part of its wider corporate social responsibility agenda.

Through a partnership with HSF Health Plan, employees benefit from medical cover and additional support designed to ease everyday healthcare costs and promote preventive care. Just as importantly, psychological wellbeing is given equal weight to physical health.

The Mental Health Policy provides free and confidential psychotherapy sessions, crisis management training for staff, and additional leave to recover from stress, anxiety, or grief. This commitment is further reinforced by Richmond Foundation Silver Badge certification, which embeds mental health awareness into the company’s culture. Managers undergo Mental Health First Aid training, while wellbeing is fully integrated into learning and development programmes.

The volunteering strategy further demonstrates this people-first approach. Bigbon Group allocates paid hours each year for employees to participate in social and educational projects, encouraging them to contribute additional time on their own initiative. This helps strengthen community impact but also fosters a deeper sense of purpose and connection among employees.

Beyond wellbeing, the organisation’s HR strategy is firmly anchored in values of diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility. As a signatory of the Malta Diversity & Inclusion Charter, Bigbon Group is committed to building a fair and equitable workplace that reflects Malta’s evolving social landscape.

Employee development remains a core focus; by providing the skills, tools, and opportunities employees need to succeed, the Group strengthens retention while creating a culture where growth and learning are central to the employee experience.

This commitment is delivered through structured initiatives such as onboarding programmes, the Bigbon Academy, and the Trailblazer leadership development sessions. Supported by the Learning Management System and Buddy System, new hires are integrated with consistency and care, while continuous training ensures clear paths for career progression at every level.

The benefits of this investment are clear; well-trained employees are more engaged, more innovative, and deliver stronger customer service. By prioritising training and development, Bigbon Group enhances satisfaction, drives performance, and strengthens sales, while cultivating a culture of creativity and continuous improvement.

Delivering exceptional customer experiences begins with people. By achieving the HR Quality Mark, Bigbon Group sets a benchmark for the retail industry, demonstrating that sustainable growth, competitiveness, and resilience are achieved by placing people at the very centre of business strategy. As Bigbon Group continues to evolve, this recognition reaffirms its unwavering belief: when people thrive, business thrives.