By Alec Go
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced Monday, June 6, that it has approved flexible work arrangements for adoption in the public sector “as part of the nationwide effort to transition from a state of public health emergency to the new normal.”
The adoption of the policy is in bid of improving worker’s work-life balance, as well as the utilization of information and communications technology for remote work, and the provision of “reasonable work arrangements for vulnerable employees.”
“The CSC is confident that greater flexibility will lead to increased productivity as the work environment becomes more responsive to employees’ unique individual needs,” the CSC said.
The work arrangements included in CSC Resolution No. 2200209 promulgated on May 18 are the following:
- Flexiplace – officials and employees may be authorized to render services away from office
- Compressed work week – 40-hour workweek is compressed into four days or less instead of five.
- Skeleton workforce – minimum number of personnel will be required to report to the office when full staffing is not possible.
- Work shifting – applicable for agencies required by law to operate 24/7, or agencies required to observe workplace health and safety protocols.
- Flexitime – employees are allowed to report between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. provided that the 40-hour workweek is completed.
- Combination of flexible work arrangements – may be adopted according to appropriate or applicable to an office’s mandate and functions.
The CSC said flexible arrangements remain subject to the agency head’s discretion with the condition that delivery of services from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. is guaranteed, and may be allowed on a regular or recurring basis, or for situational and medical reasons.
“It serves as a preventive measure to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of government officials and employees while ensuring the government’s continued operations and efficient delivery of public services,” it stated.
“As a parallel policy to the Telecommuting Law of the private sector, the flexible work arrangement guidelines covering 1.7 million government employees regardless of the status of appointment, will certainly change the landscape of work in the country,” it added.
Flexi work requirements, worker support
Aside from unhampered services, agencies are instructed to create internal guidelines for their preferred arrangements which will be incorporated in their public service continuity plans.
They are also directed to adopt performance standards and timelines in accordance with the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act “and in consonance with approved work plans and targets.”
Offices are encouraged to utilize security measures to ensure data privacy and protection, as well the use of monitoring mechanisms for reports and use of teleconferencing platforms for meetings.
Meanwhile, support mechanisms must also be in place, and that “equal opportunities in terms of awards, promotions, and training” and other interventions and benefits are provided. – gb
