1,500+ employees benefit from free, confidential mental support as db Foundation extends agreement with Caritas

The db Group has renewed its pioneering partnership with Caritas Malta, reaffirming its commitment to the mental and emotional well-being of more than 1,500 employees across its entire operations.

Now in its second year, the collaboration between the db Foundation and Caritas ensures that every team member has free and confidential access to professional counselling and social work services, with no questions asked, and no paperwork required.

Whether an employee is going through a personal crisis or simply needs someone to talk to, help is available through a discreet and independent system fully funded by the db Foundation.

But the initiative goes beyond one-to-one sessions. It also includes a series of in-house seminars and workshops designed to equip teams with the knowledge and emotional resilience to navigate today’s fast-paced world.

“This partnership is no longer a pilot, it is a proven pillar of db Group’s culture,” said Dr. Sandra Sladden, who leads the db Group Foundation. “We’re investing in mental health not as a box-ticking exercise but as a core value. It is all about trust, dignity, and helping each other to become better in our personal lives, at work, and in society.”

Caritas Foundation Director Anthony Gatt praised the Group’s continued commitment: “Through this ongoing partnership, we’re not only reaching employees of one of Malta’s largest employers, but also strengthening our ability to help vulnerable people across the country. It’s a win-win model that others can follow.”

db Group CEO Robert Debono said: “It’s easy for businesses and companies to fall into the trap of focusing only on their financial and operational health, on what they build or own. An equally important measure of success is how you treat people. From hospitality staff to managers, from chefs to front office personnel, everyone deserves access to the right support. We are proud to continue walking this path shoulder to shoulder with Caritas.”

The db Group is one of Malta’s largest private employers, operating some of the country’s best-known hospitality and catering brands, including Starbucks, Hard Rock Cafe, Loa, Aki, Manta, Tora, Nine Lives and Amami. The group also owns and operates several hotels, including db Seabank Resort & Spa, db San Antonio, and Melior Boutique Hotel.