In today’s rapidly evolving corporate landscape, businesses must adapt to the challenges of multiculturalism and shifting workforce expectations. The WHY Team, led by Director and Trainer Jesmond Friggieri, is dedicated to fostering growth and maximising capabilities for individuals and businesses alike. With a focus on professional development, personal growth, financial acumen, and project management, the WHY Team delivers customised training solutions designed to upskill workforces and enhance business success.

Mr Friggieri emphasises the need to address two pressing corporate challenges: the integration of multicultural workforces and the evolving expectations of younger employees. “Our organisations have become inherently multicultural, particularly in sectors like hospitality and logistics. Many companies struggle to adapt to these dynamics,” he explains. “Additionally, the younger generation is less focused on job security and often lacks practical skills. Research by the Chamber of Commerce corroborates this, indicating a significant skills gap.”

The WHY Team’s training programs directly tackle these issues, providing solutions that bridge cultural divides and equip young professionals with a pragmatic and versatile tool kit to meet employer expectations.

A career rooted in psychology and education

Mr Friggieri’s journey into corporate training stems from a deep-rooted belief in maximising human potential. Beginning his career in psychology, he worked with young people and families struggling with substance misuse at Sedqa. Over time, he transitioned into customer care, management, and eventually, corporate training.

“Education has always been close to my heart,” he says. “I initially taught at Saint Albert School, but I later moved into psychology because I felt I could help individuals more effectively.”

This background shaped his perspective on learning and development. He believes that Malta’s educational system does not adequately prepare individuals for the workforce. “Our system remains passive, educating for the future rather than equipping students for the present,” he notes. “This creates a disconnect between education and employment, leaving businesses with employees who are theoretically knowledgeable but lack practical application.”

Addressing corporate challenges through training

The WHY Team’s training programs aim to address gaps in workforce skills and adaptability. Mr Friggieri highlights two main challenges that impact businesses today. Maltese companies, while not multinational, have evolved into multicultural workplaces. Mr Friggieri notes that employers often underestimate the complexities of managing diverse teams. “Managing a team today requires a shift in mindset; you can no longer think nationally but must embrace a multicultural perspective,” he explains. Foreign employees, if treated well, can bring stability to a business, but retention remains a key challenge. Investing in fair treatment and development fosters long-term commitment among foreign workers, ultimately benefiting both the employees and the company.

Another significant issue is the resilience and practical skills of employees under 35, who often lack hands-on experience. Mr Friggieri attributes this to an education system that prioritises theoretical knowledge over practical application. “You have workers with theoretical knowledge but no practical ability,” he says. This skills gap leads to difficulties in retention, unrealistic wage expectations, and reduced competitiveness when employees do not deliver value equivalent to their salaries.

The WHY Team’s bespoke training solutions

To support businesses in overcoming these challenges, the WHY Team offers tailored training programs that prioritise practical, workplace-relevant learning over purely theoretical instruction. Their flagship courses include the WHY Multicultural Leadership Course, which helps companies effectively manage diverse teams, and the WHY Resilient Workforce Course, designed to build adaptability and commitment among employees. Additionally, the WHY On-the-Job Assessor Trainer program equips managers with the skills to train their teams effectively, while the WHY Refresher Course on Customer Care ensures employees maintain high service standards. The WHY Beyond the Box program focuses on developing critical and creative thinking skills, essential for problem-solving and entrepreneurial success.

By addressing these key areas, the WHY Team’s training solutions provide businesses with the tools to enhance workforce integration, improve employee resilience, and ultimately drive long-term success. Mr Friggieri strongly believes in making training practical. “Every employer wants a return on investment. If they invest in training, they expect employees to apply what they’ve learned. Our courses are designed with that in mind,” he states.

Access to funded training

One of the barriers to corporate training is cost. The WHY Team assists companies in securing funds for training through government and EU initiatives, such as Investing in Skills grants managed by Jobsplus. “Many businesses are unaware of these opportunities or find the bureaucracy overwhelming,” Mr Friggieri says. “We streamline the process, helping businesses apply for funding so they can train their staff without financial strain.”

A recent example is a hairdressing business that sought funding for skill development. “In just 30 minutes, we completed the application process. We guide businesses through requirements and procedures, making training accessible and efficient.”

Mr Friggieri stresses that younger employees must be challenged to develop critical thinking. “Problem-solving, initiative, and seeing beyond the box are crucial skills. Entrepreneurial thinking is vital, especially in Malta, where small businesses dominate the economy,” he explains. “Employees must be multi-skilled, capable of finishing tasks, and eager to learn. Without these qualities, businesses struggle to grow.”

Future prospects

Looking ahead, Mr Friggieri envisions expanding the WHY Team into a network of like-minded trainers and business professionals. “The corporate world is constantly changing, and training must evolve accordingly,” he says. “Ten years ago, we never anticipated such multicultural work environments. As Malta’s economy continues to transform, we will continue identifying gaps and providing training solutions that meet business needs.”

For those looking to advance in leadership and business, Mr Friggieri offers straightforward advice: “You have to get your hands dirty. Experience is the best teacher. Many young professionals today are reluctant to step out of their comfort zones. But real growth happens when you immerse yourself in different roles, take on challenges, and embrace learning.”

Ultimately, the WHY Team is not just about training—it’s about transformation. By equipping businesses and employees with the right skills, Mr Friggieri and his team are shaping a workforce that is resilient, adaptable, and prepared for the challenges of a rapidly evolving corporate world.

To find out more about the WHY Team click here.