Government agencies now have clearer rules on implementing a four-day compressed workweek after the Civil Service Commission (CSC) revised its policy on flexible work arrangements.

Under the revised policy, agencies may allow employees to complete the required 40-hour workweek in four days instead of the usual five, provided public services remain available from Monday to Friday.

However, CSC said the arrangement is not mandatory.

Agencies may decide whether to adopt the compressed workweek, determine employees' daily work schedules, and designate their additional day off based on operational requirements.

Frontline and onsite personnel may also be covered, provided face to face services are not disrupted.

Employees who shift to the compressed workweek must still complete the required 40 working hours a week.

Instead of working eight hours a day for five days, they may work up to 10 hours a day to complete the weekly requirement.

CSC also clarified that employees under the compressed workweek will continue to earn the standard monthly leave credits of 1.25 days each for vacation and sick leave.

However, those who take leave on a scheduled 10 hour workday will be charged 1.25 leave credits.

The usual one day deduction will apply again if an agency returns to the regular eight hour work schedule.

Wellness Leave, Special Privilege Leave, and other special leaves may still be used on a per day basis, according to the revised guidelines.

A holiday or work suspension that falls on a scheduled 10-hour workday will be considered a completed workday, meaning employees will not have to make up the lost hours, except those assigned to 24-hour essential frontline skeleton forces.

If a holiday or work suspension falls on an employee's designated day off, the remaining workdays for that week will temporarily revert to the regular eight hour schedule.

Employees who have already completed a 10-hour shift before a work suspension is declared will not have their work hours adjusted, the CSC said.

“The amendments provide government agencies with greater flexibility in organizing work schedules that benefit civil servants while ensuring that public services remain accessible to citizens,” CSC Chairperson Marilyn B. Yap said in a statement on Thursday, July 16.

The resolution takes effect retroactively from March 6, 2026, in line with Office of the President Memorandum Circular No. 114.

CSC also said agencies and employees who implemented the policy in good faith under previous interpretations will not face administrative penalties.