Atlas employees collect plastic waste from Malta’s coast as ‘part of wellbeing strategy’ – Chief HR Officer

Over 20 Atlas Insurance employees spent a day cleaning various coastal areas in Malta as part of the company’s voluntary leave day initiative. A total of 51 bags of plastic and sea debris were collected from various seaside locations on the North-western coast.

“We are passionate about the environment we live in and the contribution we can make, however small, to help rid the sea from harmful plastic and other debris,” said Jackie Attard Montalto, Chief Human Resources Officer.

“This is part of our wellbeing strategy, which looks at our people holistically to ensure we contribute positively to all aspects of people’s lives, dedicating significant resources to our people’s wellbeing and our contribution to our society,” she continued.

“This was one of our first teambuilding events after the long months of lockdown and restrictions, and it was great to return and be able to enjoy each other’s company while doing something so beneficial and satisfying,” she said, going on to thank all those involved for their sterling work.

This marks the team’s second clean-up of the summer. Last month, a few team members carried out a similar initiative and managed to collect over 34 bags of plastic and sea debris. The clean-up was inspired by the amazing work done by Mark Galea Pace to reduce sea pollution, safeguard marine flora and fauna. Mr Galea Pace himself took part in that initiative, inspiring Atlas to organise their own clean-up with more team members.

Atlas offers its employees the possibility to take extra annual leave days, known as voluntary leave days, to contribute towards various causes and in line with the company’s ESG drive towards sustainability and environmental initiatives.

In 2020, prior to the pandemic, Atlas Insurance had teamed up with the environment rejuvenation movement Saġġar and contributed in a hands-on manner towards this national initiative aimed at planting one million trees in Malta. Four teams from Atlas amounting to over 60 people spent a working day at Saġġar’s working facility in Wardija, and the days off were given as one of the two extra voluntary leave days provided by the company.