Backing Malta’s Hospitality Heroes: Wolt And Local Partners Support Richmond Foundation’s Healthy Minds Initiative

VALLETTA, MALTA – November 2025 — The backbone of Malta’s hospitality sector is the dedicated individual—the chef, the server, the bartender—who works tirelessly to deliver exceptional experiences. Recognising the significant emotional and operational pressures faced by these workers, Wolt, the local commerce platform, is joining forces with local businesses to cultivate a culture of empathy and mutual support, focusing on mental wellbeing through a major fundraising effort for the Richmond Foundation’s Healthy Minds Work Initiative.

This campaign is a testament to the power of community, showing that when local businesses come together, they can create a strong safety net for those who need it most.

Community and Empathy Lead the Way

On 20 November, Wolt will be rolling out an initiative to encourage donations in aid of individuals in the hospitality industry.

By giving a donation, Wolt users will receive promo codes for a chance to win special discounts from the following partnering merchants: Kups, Saigon, Dominos, Greens Supermarket, Panina, and CFC.

In a parallel effort, Sixteen Ltd will be taking over the Hermanos food truck outside the Sixteen Flexplaces in Malta, where they will be selling the special Brooklyn Greens burger for €5. And of course, all proceeds will be going to the Richmond Foundation.

Caring for Employees is a Smart Investment

While the primary motivation is to care for the community, organisations are increasingly recognising that investing in the mental health of their teams is a strategic decision that drives sustainability and performance. Strong organizational support and ethical leadership are proven psychological resources that negatively predict job burnout .

Investing in evidence-based mental healthcare and wellness programs, such as counselling, supervisor mental health training, and mindfulness practice, is effective in helping employees manage stress and turnover intention. These proactive steps yield significant financial returns: wellness programs consistently provide a positive Return on Investment (ROI), often ranging from $4 to $6 saved for every $1 invested.

By supporting the Richmond Foundation, Wolt and its partners are not just donating funds; they are investing in the long-term health and resilience of the entire Maltese hospitality workforce.
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About Richmond Foundation

Richmond Foundation is a leading non-governmental organisation in Malta dedicated to promoting mental health and providing assistance to individuals experiencing mental health problems, as well as their families. Their work, including initiatives like Healthy Minds Work, provides essential support services and resources to help people cope with psychological distress and thrive.

If you or someone you know in the hospitality community needs support, please reach out to the Richmond Foundation. Seeking support is a sign of strength, and resources are available to guide you toward mental wellbeing.

Free Helpline: 1770 (Mon-Fri, 8 AM to 8 PM, Sat 8 AM to 4 PM)

After this time, you can contact 1579, the mental health services helpline.

About Wolt

Wolt is a technology company founded in 2014, known for its local commerce platform that makes it easy to discover and get the best restaurants, grocery stores, and other local shops delivered to your home or office. In Malta, Wolt partners with hundreds of local businesses, supporting them with technology, logistics, and now financial solutions.

Media Inquiries

Akis Stamoulis

Regional Head of Communications & Public Policy, South Region

akis.stamoulis@wolt.com

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Referances

Baker, M., & Kim, K. (n.d.). 'The Customer is Always Right' Policy Challenged by Customer Hostility, Worker Mental Health: UMass Amherst .

Dsouza, M. P., Shetty, A., Dinesh, T. K., & Damodar, P. (2023). Stimulating employee performance and well-being: A review of mindfulness impact in the hospitality sector. IIMBG Journal of Sustainable Business and Innovation .

Elshaer, I. A. (2023). Front-line hotel employees mental health and quality of life post COVID-19 pandemic: The role of coping strategies. Heliyon, 9(6), e16915 .

Ghazali, H., Mohamad, S. F., Othman, M. A. R. B., & Ishak, M. (2024). Hospitality Employees’ Mental Health Issues: A Review. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 14(7), 239.

Marsh McLennan Agency. (n.d.). Mental Health in the Hospitality Industry.

McGinley, S., & Wei, W. (2018). Emotional labor’s impact on hoteliers outside the workplace. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 30(9), 2965–2983.

Saah, F. I., & Amamoo, E. T. (2021). Prevalence and predictors of work-related depression, anxiety, and stress among waiters: A cross-sectional study in upscale restaurants. PloS One, 16(4), e0249597.

The Critical Imperative of Mental Healthcare for Hospitality Workers: A Strategic Analysis of Occupational Stress and Evidence-Based Interventions. (n.d.).

Xiong, W., Huang, M., Okumus, B., Leung, X., Cai, X., & Fan, F. (2023). How emotional labor affect hotel employees’ mental health: A longitudinal study. Tourism Management, 94, 104631 [8–11].

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