A local insurance agency that nurtures a gender equal workplace has been rewarded with an equality mark certificate by the Equality Commission. 

Argus Insurance Agencies Ltd was handed the award after implementing an equality and sexual harassment policy, taking measures to ensure equal opportunities in recruitment and employment practices as well as career and personal development opportunities.

The firm also appointed an employee as an equality representative and committed to implementing family-friendly measures and work-life balance options for men and women with caring responsibilities.

National Commission for the Promotion of Equality Commissioner Renee Laiviera said Argus had shown "a true commitment to implementing relevant gender equality policies and practices."

Argus CEO Vanessa Borg said effective performance management "complemented by an array of family-friendly measures" were essential to the company's strategy. These help staff to achieve a much better work–life balance. This has proven to be beneficial both for Argus, in terms of increased performance levels, and the employees. Besides having introduced the concept two years ago of having our staff

Helping staff achieve a much better work–life balance "has proven to be beneficial both for Argus, in terms of increased performance levels, and the employees," Dr Borg said. 

The company had started allowing staff to use their sick leave when their children were unwell two years ago, Dr Borg said, and had recently added an additional five days of sick leave for employees with immediate family dependencies to be used in cases of family emergencies.

The award was presented to Argus by Social Dialogue Minister Helena Dalli at the NCPE's 12th annual conference.