CSC issues guidelines on alternative work arrangements amid COVID-19

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) on Wednesday issued guidelines on alternative work arrangements for government workers amid the public health emergency over rising coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the country.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 7, CSC said that the following alternative work arrangements are set to last for the duration of the public health emergency:

-Four-day workweek

An employee's work schedule will be reduced to four days under this option. However, CSC noted that work hours per day will be increased to 10 hours to complete the required 40 hours per week.

-Shifting

For shifting, agencies will strategize the shifting of employees to meet the 40-hour per week requirement. The shifting refers to the existing 24/7 shifting schedule or the shifting of assignments to perform frontline services.

According to the CSC, agencies may adopt either or both arrangements.

They may also formulate their internal rules and regulations governing the implementation of the arrangements in accordance with the guidelines.

The rules and regulations created will then be submitted to the Civil Service Commission through its regional offices for records purposes.

Agencies are also required to monitor their workers "to ensure that public service delivery is not prejudiced. 

Meanwhile, the memorandum also directed that health workers, first responders, and frontline service providers will be provided with health interventions, stress debriefing and appropriate technology to minimize face to face contact.

All constitutional bodies, departments, bureaus, agencies, government-owned or controlled corporations with original charters, local government units, and state universities will be covered under the memorandum.

The resolution is set to take effect immediately.

As of Wednesday, confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country climbed to 49. —LDF, GMA News