Published for European Mental Health Week 2025
Productivity is important. It keeps economies moving, projects running, and
goals achieved. But if that productivity comes at the cost of mental wellbeing,
it’s not sustainable. It’s not humane. And it’s certainly not the future we’re
striving for.
Mental health is a social right
This year’s theme for European Mental Health Week puts it plainly: mental
health must be recognised as a social right. At the National Skills Council, we
echo this call - not just with words, but with action. We believe that the
systems we shape, whether in education, employment, or training, must value
both people and productivity.
Wellbeing is not a barrier to success – it’s a foundation
You cannot train or work to your potential when you're overwhelmed,
unsupported, or burnt out. When we support mental wellbeing - through fair
workloads, inclusive learning environments, and space for emotional safety - we
don’t just help people cope. We help them thrive.
This is not just about empathy. It’s about design. Human-centred design in our
systems means asking:
- Are we supporting people through transitions and upskilling?
- Are we recognising the pressures faced by workers, carers, students, and jobseekers?
- Are we giving space for resilience, not just results?
The answer must increasingly be yes.
Skills for wellbeing, skills for life
At the heart of Malta’s National Skills Agenda is a commitment to
transversal skills - like communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
These are not just ‘soft’ skills. They are survival skills for a rapidly
changing world which can be used transversally.
When we value these alongside technical know-how, we build systems that are
balanced, inclusive, and resilient.
Looking ahead
As we continue to shape the future of work in Malta, we must remember:
- Systems built for productivity alone will break.
- Systems built for people will last.
And the best systems? They value both.
#MentalHealthIsARight #NSCMalta #FutureOfWork #SkillsWithHeart
#EuropeanMentalHealthWeek