Cultivating a culture of wellbeing at the University of Malta

A university is more than a place of learning and work. It’s a fast-paced environment where responsibilities, ambition and goals intersect. In such a setting, wellbeing is a foundation for success, and supporting both students and employees’ wellbeing helps sustain their focus.

A vibrant calendar of activities is currently being organised to keep cultivating a culture of wellbeing at the University of Malta. This ongoing effort is the result of a strong collaboration between the Institute for Physical Education and Sport (IPES), the Rector’s Delegate for Sport and Physical Activity, and the Office for Human Resources Management & Development: who are working with one another and with international partners to create opportunities that support a healthier, more engaged university community.

The Daily Mile: A short daily walk across campus for staff members, this initiative is part of a global effort to help the UM community build healthy habits, stay focused, and connect socially through daily outdoor movement. Launched at the Msida Campus in November 2025, the programme has recently been extended to include Junior College staff as well.

Outdoor Gym Workshops: Bodyweight & Calisthenics: These regular sessions on university grounds encourage staff to engage in simple yet effective physical activity, helping them discover key components of both physical and mental wellbeing. They have the aim of promoting fitness habits, social connection, and wellbeing across the campus.

Pilates & Posture: The Midday Reset: This new initiative directly addresses the strains of desk-based work, as identified by members of the UM community in previous research. Beyond easing tension, sessions provide a natural energy boost without caffeine, offer tips for mindful breathing, and strengthen core stability and posture.

La Solidaire de Brest (Malta edition): Part of the SEA-EU Virtual Race Month, this Fun Run/Walk is held at the Msida Campus and brings the UM community together in a spirit of health and camaraderie. The University of Malta participates as a member of the SEA-EU Alliance, which connects nine coastal universities. This March marks the second edition of the Fun Run.

Revitalise your Routine: Simple Strategies for a Healthier Work-Life Balance Workshops: These invigorating workshops, organised in collaboration with the Office for Professional Academic Development, combine physical, cognitive, and socially engaging exercises that seamlessly integrate into staff members’ daily routines. Held regularly on the monthly training calendar, they continue to be highly popular and well-attended.

Exercise Snacks: This innovative initiative encourages short bursts of physical activity throughout the day, led by second-year students acting as “movement activators.” By incorporating these quick, energising exercises into daily routines, participants can boost focus, reduce sedentary strain, and develop healthier movement habits — all in just a few minutes at a time.

These initiatives are also grounded in the evidence generated through internal research, including the UNI-PAS (University Physical Activity Study) conducted with UM staff, and the recent feedback gathered from members of the same university community. Prof. Andrew Decelis, the Rector’s Delegate for Sport and Physical Activity, and who’s also a valued academic at IPES, said “We wanted to ensure that they are shaped by real needs, experiences and suggestions from those they are designed to support. We also recognise that our ability to care for others is grounded in how well we care for ourselves”.

All of the above are complemented by a strand of support services in the form of a Health & Wellness Centre, Counselling Services, and stress management workshops, among other initiatives, to help create a more well-rounded wellness-aligned culture among all members of the University.