What is the Human Resources Handbook?

It is recognised by an increasing number of employers that Human Resources Management is a key function within their organisation as a means to achieve the organisation’s objectives. This field is also becoming increasingly specialised for various reasons:

• There is a need for employers to be constantly updated with new employment related legislation
• Employees – both unionised and non-unionised - are becoming more aware of their legal rights
• HR management is seen to be a source of competitive advantage, since employing and retaining the right persons is a key ingredient of the organisation’s performance.

The HR Handbook consists of a series of chapters about various aspects of the HR function and the employer/employee relationship. The chapters included thus far are:

• Contracts of Employment
• Disciplinary Action
• Fixed Term Contracts
• Injury Leave
• Maternity Leave
• Overtime
• Part Time Employment
• Probation
• Resignation and Notice Periods
• Sick Leave
• Vacation Leave

It will be updated regularly, based on employers experiences. The handbook will also have links to related legislation and other resources found in this website. It has been decided that, rather than printing an edition of the handbook, it will be posted on the web-site and members will have access to it through the use of a password. This will facilitate regular updating through new questions and answers and new chapters as necessary. HR related legislation is evolving constantly, both at EU level and also at local level, and employers need to have a resource that will keep them constantly au courant with such developments.

Who will use it?

The HR Handbook is a valuable management tool to all employers. Large companies with an established HR department can refer to the expertise contained to handle their day to day HR related problems. It can also be used as a training manual to develop and update the skills of HR personnel.

The HR Handbook is also of great use to smaller companies that lack the specialisation of HR professionals within their structure because of diseconomies of scale. In many situations the HR function is performed either by another executive (e.g. the financial controller) or else by the managing director. This is the case with the vast majority of Maltese employers. The handbook will, in such cases, be a constant guide on HR matters and will enhance the service that is provided by the MEA secretariat.

Access to the handbook chapters

The HR Handbook is available solely and exclusively to MEA Members who have paid their annual subscription. Access to the HR Handbook is password protected. Members who have settled their subscription for 2010 by the end of March will retain the same password as before.  Those who will settle the subscription after the 1st April will be issued with a new password upon settlement of the subscription. 

Feedback and comments are welcome.