As mental health awareness takes centre stage worldwide throughout the month of May, Malta International Airport (MIA) is celebrating a significant milestone in its journey towards prioritising employee wellbeing. The company has become the first airport in the European Union, and the first organisation in Malta, to obtain ISO 45003:2021 certification, which focuses on managing psychosocial risks in the workplace.
The certification, which forms part of the broader ISO 45001:2018 standard on occupational health and safety, recognises MIA’s commitment to supporting its employees’ mental and physical wellbeing through a proactive and structured approach.
MIA’s Head of People and Culture Alexia Aquilina, and Health and Safety Lead Daniela Borg reflect on the rigorous journey that led to this achievement and what it means for the airport's expanding team.
“The certification empowers organisations to reduce work-related injury and ill health of their workers, promoting a culture of wellbeing at work,” says Health and Safety Lead Daniela Borg, who championed the certification journey on behalf of MIA.
Daniela has been with MIA since 2017 and currently leads health and safety, overseeing all stakeholders operating on the airport campus, including third-party contractors.
“The wellbeing aspect of occupational health and safety is often overlooked, but at MIA, we take proactive steps to make sure it is prioritised before it becomes an issue,” Daniela notes. “A lack of wellbeing can become a risk in itself, especially in a multifaceted environment like an airport where we’re dealing with construction, striving for service excellence, and with passengers in front-facing roles.
“At the terminal, our employees are trained to handle delicate situations where emotions are bound to run high, given the nature of our operations.”
Working with Daniela on the project was Alexia Aquilina, Head of People and Culture. Together, the two departments created a synergy which was conducive to the successful end result.
With many years of experience in the hospitality sector, Alexia, who joined MIA a year ago, is no stranger to ensuring a sound work environment for employees, which in turn translates into an excellent experience for customers. “To start with, the company’s employee wellbeing programme is about much more than day-to-day operations,” she declares from the get-go.
“It’s about creating a workplace where people feel supported, connected, and valued. We are growing fast, with over 500 employees on our books, and looking to grow further. While we have strong policies in place to ensure an excellent work experience, we also go beyond to make sure that employment at MIA is more than just a job,” Alexia remarks.
The long process for ISO 45003 certification, which started back in 2021, was far from straightforward, but the eventual certification made it all worthwhile.
“Back in 2021, we started a thorough review which audited all existing processes and identified areas for improvement and growth,” Daniela recalls. “We already had a lot in place, but to ensure a world-class professional approach, we wanted the third-party confirmation that we were on the right track.”
“Spanning several years, the certification process culminated in a three-stage audit, starting with a desk-based assessment, which then proceeded to two intensive five-day onsite visits. It was a massive learning experience for everyone. Having a third eye look at your systems and obtaining the right feedback for improvement is greatly valuable,” Daniela adds.
A key strength of MIA’s approach is its inclusive structure, which actively involves employee representation in the discussion on health and safety. In fact, the organisation runs continuous OHS focus groups, anonymous forums where workers can raise concerns, as well as opportunities where they can share feedback and contribute to the shaping of policies.
“We don’t just wait for complaints to happen,” Daniela explains. “We meet regularly with employees and their reps to maintain an ongoing channel for open dialogue. It’s about making sure our health and safety culture is not a top-down transaction but is built on trust and collaboration.”
This culture extends to third-party contractors, who are expected to meet MIA’s high safety and wellbeing standards at all times, with contractors who demonstrate exemplary commitment being recognised and, at times, even rewarded directly.
Speaking about MIA’s drive to be an employer of choice, Alexia lists a host of initiatives which ensure a healthy environment for team members.
“Apart from competitive employment packages, we offer a solid support system for our teams to ensure their wellbeing. Central to this commitment is mental health support through partnerships with reputable organisations such as Caritas and Richmond Foundation. Through these partnerships, team members can anonymously seek support, in full confidentiality. Furthermore, our doors are always open,” Alexia reassures.
Furthermore, MIA offers a wide range of nice-to-have initiatives that sweeten the deal further, including team activities and events, fresh fruit at the office, as well as a generous wellbeing allowance which employees are free to spend on gym memberships, sports massages, purchasing of home gym equipment, and much more.
“We also organise a busy calendar of sports and social activities, with internal teams in football, netball, athletics and bowling competing among themselves. Team members who are also athletes find MIA foursquare behind them, as they are supported in their international competitions, fostering a healthy sense of belonging.”
“We are extremely proud of our team spirit, and we invest heavily to continue nurturing it on a daily basis,” Alexia notes. “It’s not just about work – it’s about integrating with colleagues, building relationships, and feeling part of something bigger.”
With plans to expand further, both Daniela and Alexia are confident that the MIA’s wellbeing programme and safety-first culture will continue to attract and retain top talent.
“Our processes are now internationally accredited, which is not only a confirmation of the hard work done but also a strong foundation to keep building on,” both agree. “It sets us apart as an employer and helps ensure that we are ready for the exciting new challenges that come with growth,” Alexia and Daniela conclude.
Main Image:
