As it adopts a new flexible work arrangement this month, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has ensured that there will be no interruptions in the delivery of its frontline services.
In a statement, the CSC announced the introduction of a hybrid work arrangement for its Central and Regional Offices nationwide, consisting of four days onsite and one day remote each week.
The new hybrid work arrangement took effect on Aug. 1.
"We are optimistic that this policy will uplift the morale and boost the productivity of CSC employees by providing reasonable work arrangements that facilitate work-life balance,” CSC Chairperson Karlo Nograles said.
“Additionally, we hope this will inspire other government agencies to appreciate the benefits of a hybrid work setup in driving employee well-being and performance,” he added.
Nograles explained that under CSC Resolution No. 2400579, which outlines the Internal Guidelines on the Adoption of Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA) issued on July 10, 2024, “all CSC officials and employees are encouraged to observe Friday as the uniform remote day in the Central and Regional Offices while ensuring continuous delivery of external frontline services from Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.”
As the central Human Resource (HR) agency of the government, Nograles said the CSC is committed to “leading the way” in adopting sustainable HR management practices that contribute to climate change mitigation measures.
“At the same time, we shall set an example by ensuring that the service provided to our stakeholders and the general public remains uninterrupted, even amidst the hybrid work arrangement,” Nograles said.
Nograles noted that offices delivering frontline services to the public will maintain onsite staff from Monday to Friday to ensure “uninterrupted public service” during official work hours.
The external frontline service providers at the CSC Central Office include the Integrated Records Management Office, Information and Communications Technology Office, Public Assistance and Information Office, Office for Financial and Assets Management, Office for Legal Affairs, and Examination Recruitment and Placement Office. The Regional Offices will determine their external frontline staff.
The CSC's Internal Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA) align with CSC Resolution No. 220209, which outlines the Policies on Flexible Work Arrangements in the Government, enacted on May 18, 2022, and circulated through CSC Memorandum Circular No. 6, s. 2022.
These guidelines are designed to establish appropriate work arrangements for government officials and employees while safeguarding their health, safety, and welfare, according to the CSC.
Additionally, the new policy aligns with the government’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Measures as outlined in the Government Energy Management Program.
Specifically, Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee Resolution No. 7, s. 2023 advocates for the implementation of Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA) in government entities to "minimize the impact of steep global petroleum prices, reduce electricity and fuel consumption across the government, and alleviate traffic congestion."
Under the CSC FWA policy, CSC officials and employees may avail themselves of the FWA and render 40 hours of service in a week, regardless of employment status: permanent, temporary, coterminous, casual, or contractual.
The FWA also applies to contract-of-service and job order workers, following the provisions allowed in their contracts and existing accounting, budgeting, and auditing rules and regulations.