Philippines approves flexible work schemes for government employees

Government agencies may start adopting flexible work arrangements starting June 15, according to the Philippine Civil Service Commission (CSC) on Monday, in an effort to transition from the state of public health emergency to the "new normal."

Under the CSC Resolution No. 2200209, the approved flexible work arrangements include:

1. Flexiplace, where officials and employees are authorised to render services away from their office
2. Compressed work week, where the 40-hour work week is compressed into four days or less, instead of five
3. Skeleton workforce, where minimum personnel will be required to report to the office when full staffing is not possible
4. Work shifting for agencies required by law to operate 24/7 or agencies required to observe workplace health and safety protocols
5. Flexitime, where employees are allowed to report between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. provided they complete the required 40-hour workweek
6. Combination of flexible work arrangements that may be adopted by an agency according to what is appropriate or applicable to its mandate and functions

Adoption of flexible work arrangements are subject to the discretion of the head of agency, according to the commission, and may be allowed on a regular or recurring basis, situational, or for medical reasons.

The CSC said in a statement that the policy aims to "improve work-life balance, encourage the adoption of information and communications technology (ICT) for remote work, and provide reasonable work arrangements for vulnerable employees such as senior citizens, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, or those recovering from sickness/injuries and issues of mobility."

"Safe workspaces and compliance with occupational health and safety standards are ensured in the implementation of flexible work arrangements," added the CSC in a statement.

Read more: Philippines joins calls for safe, healthy working conditions

Guidelines

Meanwhile, government agencies that want to implement flexible work arrangements are tasked to draw up internal guidelines.

According to the CSC, monitoring mechanisms for daily or weekly reports, use of teleconferencing platforms for meetings or assemblies, and reasonable and appropriate security measures may be adopted by agencies to ensure confidentiality.

Government agencies are also urged to ensure that support mechanisms are in place for the implementation of flexible work arrangements.

They are also tasked to ensure that employees are provided equal opportunities in terms of awards, promotions, and training; health or psychosocial interventions for mental well-being; and medical benefits for sustained wounds or injuries while doing their duties.