The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has expressed support to the recommendation implementing a four-day work week set up for workers in private and public sectors amid the rising temperatures in some parts of the country.
In an Unang Balita interview, DOLE Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez mentioned that establishing this type of alternative work arrangement to alleviate anxiety, stress, and burnout caused by extreme hot weather is not obligatory but rather a choice and privilege of a company.
"Yung tinatawag po nating four-day workweek, isa po ito sa mga tinatawag nating flexible work arrangement. Ito pong mga flexible work arrangement, ito po ay prerogatiba at option ng mga employer in consultation na rin sa mga manggagawa (The four-day workweek is considered a type of flexible work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are the prerogative and one of the options of our employers, in consultation with their workers)," said Benavidez.
Benavidez said the company can organize the reduced work days based on its requirements.
“Kung yan po ay talagang masisigurado natin yung kaligtasan nung mga manggagawa o kaya mas mame-maintain natin o lalo nating ma i-improve ‘yung productivity pa nung kumpanya, then why not? (If this ensures employee safety and maintains or improves productivity, then why not?)," he said.
“Ang bawat manggagawa ay magtatrabaho pa rin ng 40 oras bawat linggo. Ngunit sa halip na limang araw, ito ay magiging apat; sa halip na walong oras sa isang araw, ito ay magiging 10 oras sa isang araw (Each worker will still work 40 hours per week. But instead of five days, it will be four; instead of eight hours a day, it will be 10 hours a day),” Benavidez noted.
Meanwhile, Benavidez said the government has started enforcing mandatory occupational safety and health (OSH) regulations as directed by a department order (DO) and legal requirements.
Under the OSH law, employers are required to offer a safe and healthy workplace by utilizing devices or equipment that meet authorized industry standards and providing suitable personal protective equipment at no cost.
All businesses, undertakings, locations, and all other places of work must provide complimentary welfare services, guaranteeing a sufficient provision of clean drinking water, hygienic and washing amenities, and appropriate living arrangements for employees, as necessary within their particular sectors.
“Regardless of the nature of the job or the place of work, lagi po naming pinapaalala hanan, nakabase naman po yan sa pamantayan, yung pag susuoot po ng PPE (Regardless of the nature of the job or the place of work, we consistently emphasize to our employees the importance of wearing personal protective equipment)," Benavidez said.
“Pangalawa yung proper hydration. Pangatlo po yung proper ventilation. Pangapat, po ‘yung pagkakaroon ng mga breaks, lalong lalo na yung short breaks, at meron din po tayong tinatawag na meal breaks (Additionally, it is important to ensure proper hydration. Moreover, proper ventilation is essential. Furthermore, regular breaks, including short breaks, as well as designated meal breaks, should be implemented)," he added.