For the first time ever, Vassallo Group organised a cultural diversity day across the whole group. This initiative marks the fact that the group employs people from over 50 countries.
A communication campaign preceeding the actual day focused on the need to recognise and appreciate cultural differences at the workplace. Cultural problems can range from miscommunication to actual conflict, thus endangering effective worker productivity and performance. Developing cultural appreciation and competence results in an ability to understand, communicate with and effectively interact with people across cultures and work with varying cultural beliefs.
The day reached its culmination during a special event employees were invited to, where they dressed up in their national costumes, prepared food typical of their country and performed traditional songs and dances.
The response to this initiative was overwhelming, resulting in a vibrant and colourful event. All those present had the opportunity to taste the different dishes prepared and to appreciate the variety of costumes colleagues wore for the occasion.
Participants also experienced the different languages expressed in the folk songs and poems performed during the event, as well as the traditional dance routines.
The group’s director of HR, Charlo Bonnici, said: “The response to this initiative was indicative of our employees’ eagerness to get to know better the cultural backgrounds of colleagues they work with. Despite this cultural diversity, we rarely come across any issues. Our employees focus on the job they have to do and work as a team irrespective as of any existing differences. Diversity is one of our most cherished core values.”