DOH backs continued work-from-home setup

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MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) is in favor of continuing the work-from-home (WFH) arrangements since doing so could help stop the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases, its officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Friday.

Vergeire made the pronouncement after Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said that business process outsourcing firms could keep their tax perks and also continue with the WFH option as they transfer their registration from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority to the Board of Investments.

“Yes, we agree to this,” said Vergeire on the extension of WFH setup during a press briefing.

“This work from home will help us not just during this COVID-19 situation but also for diseases as well, because we know that more interaction [means] there is more transmission of diseases,” she also said.

WFH benefits cited

Vergeire also noted the physical and mental benefits of remote work, saying the arrangement provides work-life “balance” for employees, and many surveys have shown that employees are more productive away from their regular work locations.

According to a recent New York Times article, although studies have shown that employees are more productive when working away from the office, many top managers still insist on its advantages. Many businesses have gone to great lengths to ensure a peaceful work environment for their employees.

The article continued: The evidence that was available before the pandemic implies that disruptions in the workplace are not uniformly distributed among employees. Returning to work may be more difficult for some employees, notably women because they are disproportionately expected to carry out low-status jobs that “everyone wants to be handled by someone else.” This makes it more difficult for women to return to the workforce.

Cases rising

Independent pandemic monitor Octa Research also said there is a slight increase of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila due to increased mobility.

The Philippines on Thursday reported a total of 3,913,536 COVID-19 cases, including 24,843 active cases,  3,780,844 recoveries and 62,343 deaths.

JMS/abc