Arkati Interview with Vassallo Group Chief People Officer, Lee Xuereb – “Supporting Minds and Lives ”

Over the past few years, Vassallo Group has become more aware of the increasing importance of mental health and the need to manage and improve it effectively, according to Chief People Officer Lee Xuereb. “We wanted to ensure we didn’t take a piecemeal approach to such an important issue but instead adopted a holistic strategy,” he says. Prior to the Covid pandemic, Vassallo Group had already embraced flexibility to some degree, but the post-pandemic world required a new level of adaptability.

“Remote and flexible work was available before, but after Covid, we tried to maximise the flexibility we offered to our employees. “Of course, this isn’t always possible for roles such as manual work or shift-based jobs, but wherever we can, we aim to offer greater flexibility.” Mental health support has also been a long-standing feature at Vassallo Group, but recent years have seen a stronger push to continuously promote this essential service. “It’s not just something we mention once a year anymore. We are constantly looking for ways to remind employees that this free service is available to them.”

The Group’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), funded by the Arkati Foundation, provides access to a range of mental health services, including therapy, counselling, and crisis support, which are available not only to employees but also to their immediate family members. Recognising that work-life balance is deeply personal and varies from person to person, Vassallo Group offers a variety of initiatives to help employees manage their time and resources, including a scheme where suppliers to the company can offer discounts to Vassallo Group employees on things like gym memberships, pool access, internet services, and even car washes.

Vassallo Group places a strong emphasis on internal growth and development, encouraging employees to expand their skills through continuous learning. “We aim to source top talent from within the organisation whenever possible. Our focus is on helping employees learn new skills and providing the necessary training,” Lee adds. If external recruitment is necessary, Vassallo Group’s Employee Value Proposition (EVP) plays a key role in attracting top talent. The EVP includes competitive salary, benefits, flexibility, and ample room for growth. “Our culture and values are central to what we offer. We help and support employees in their growth, and that’s something we are incredibly proud of,” Lee says.