GamingMalta Champions Talent and Future Readiness
Valletta’s Mediterranean Conference Centre hosted a packed edition of HR Connect at NEXT.io, with GamingMalta Foundation taking a central role in shaping the conversation on talent and leadership in iGaming.
The event brought together HR professionals, executives, and experts for a full day of practical discussions. Key topics included generational shifts, talent retention, AI integration, mental wellbeing, and the expanding responsibilities of HR teams.
GamingMalta Foundation CEO Ivan Filletti opened the event by aligning the Foundation’s mission with that of HR Connect. He introduced Malta Vision 2050 – a long-term national strategy focused on education, upskilling, and workforce planning. With unemployment below 3%, Filletti stressed the importance of maintaining Malta’s competitiveness through continuous investment in people and skills.
Generational change featured heavily in the discussions. The rise of Gen Z in the workplace is reshaping how companies approach communication, recognition, and purpose. Speakers encouraged HR teams to tailor their strategies across age groups and rethink traditional models of feedback and engagement.
The integration of AI into daily operations drew strong interest. While automation was seen as a way to reduce costs and streamline workflows, there was broad agreement that it should not come at the expense of human connection. Organisations were urged to reinvest savings into wellbeing and prepare staff for more strategic, future-oriented roles.
Mental health and HR burnout were addressed head-on. HR teams are often the first line of support, and the emotional toll is growing. The panel highlighted that burnout stems not just from high workloads, but from poor support systems and unrealistic demands. A recurring message was the need for HR to be embedded in management structures, with influence over decision-making and flexibility to meet both employee and business needs.
Recruitment challenges were also front and centre. With the labour market nearing full employment, traditional hiring tactics are falling short. Speakers advised companies to move beyond generic job ads and towards messaging that reflects their values and culture. Transparent recruitment processes were flagged as key to reducing early-stage attrition.
The final panel looked at how the HR function itself is evolving. HR now covers everything from data analytics to tech integration and leadership development. The call to action was clear: use technology to cut admin, and free HR teams to focus on culture, retention, and strategy.
Heidi Lofthus, Project Director, HR Connect at NEXT.io, closed the event by urging HR leaders to take practical steps in reshaping how organisations support their people.
GamingMalta remains committed to talent, learning, and collaboration across the iGaming ecosystem. HR Connect made it clear – the future of the industry depends on how well it adapts to the needs of today’s workforce.
