Research conducted by Misco has revealed that remuneration packages for marketing and sales managers, financial controllers and accounts staff have experienced an increase over the past year.
Research has also shown that usual steep rises in salaries of engineers and technicians, which had been present over the past few years, did not materialise this year.
This was also announced by company director Lawrence Zammit at the Misco 2004 clients' meeting, themed "Retaining Talent: The challenges of holding on to your best people", which took place earlier this month at the Corinthia San Gorg Hotel, St Julian's.
Keynote speakers included Dr Jim Lea and Graeme Yell, from the Hay Group of the UK and Simon Grima, general manager, Hetronic Malta.
In his address, Dr Lea focused on the different approaches to providing clarity on structure and precisely defined roles. He also discussed the importance of such strategies in the development and implementation of specific reward policies.
This is referred to as the 'hardware' factor of an organisation - the setting up of an environment which allows individuals to develop and maximise their talent as effectively as possible.
Mr Yell focused on aspects of management which have been traditionally regarded as being 'softer'. His presentation particularly emphasised the impact that leaders' behaviour has in creating a positive climate and subsequently its influence on the motivation and performance of individuals.
Mr Yell provided research evidence from a range of organisations which illustrated the financial impact of leadership on productivity.
Mr Grima presented a case study of the model his company adopted to successfully motivate and retain talent. He emphasised the significance of company development being complemented by simultaneous individual improvement, acknowledging that specific training and development programmes organised through Misco were very influential in this respect, as was the setting up of an appropriate working environment.
Other speakers at the event were Anthony Carabott, director/general manager, Misco, who delivered the opening address, and Joseph F.X. Zahra.