CSC sets alternative work arrangements for gov’t agencies

MANILA, Philippines — The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has set alternative work arrangements for government employees amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a resolution, CSC suggested work-from-home arrangements, skeleton workforce, four-day or compressed workweek, and staggered working hours that agencies could adopt during the pandemic.

“These interim guidelines would ensure that government agencies continue to fulfill their mandate amid the pandemic, while protecting the health and safety of their workers,” CSC chair Alicia de la Rosa-Bala said.

Under the resolution, the CSC said employees designated as skeleton workforce should be entitled to hazard pay on top of the compensatory time off, or overtime pay granted for authorized services rendered outside of an employee’s regular work hours.

Under a four-day compressed workweek arrangement, the employees’ workweek will be compressed to four days each week.

“This may be adopted by agencies in areas placed under general community quarantine,” the CSC said, adding that agencies could also adopt staggered working hours, particularly in offices, or agencies that observe work shifting or flexible working time.

The CSC also said government agencies could use a combination of two or more of the listed alternative working arrangements to suit their respective needs. However, agencies need to formulate their internal rules and regulations to effectively implement their chosen work arrangements.