Gov't agencies given more flexibility in adopting four-day work week setup
The Civil Service Commission has issued updated guidelines granting government agencies greater flexibility in adopting a four-day compressed workweek.
The revised policy, as detailed on the CSC website, allows agencies to compress the required 40-hour workweek into four working days.
Under the rules, agencies may determine their own daily work schedules and assign an additional day off, as long as employees complete the mandated 40 hours per week and that public services continue uninterrupted from Monday to Friday.
The CSC said the arrangement also covers frontline and on-site personnel, subject to agency approval and on the condition that in-person government services are not compromised.
Government employees who shift to a compressed schedule will continue to enjoy the same benefits, including the monthly accrual of vacation leave and sick leave credits. However, a day off under this schedule will deduct 1.25 leave credits per day.
During work suspensions or holidays, scheduled 10-hour workdays are fully credited (except for 24/7 frontline staff), while suspensions on scheduled days off temporarily revert the rest of the week's shifts to standard 8-hour days.
If a disruption lands on an employee's designated day off, the remaining work days for that week revert to the standard eight-hour schedule.
Additionally, completed 10-hour shifts before a late suspension remain valid, and no administrative penalties will be issued to those who acted in good faith during the transition.
According to the CSC, the updates on the Flexible Work Arrangement policy align with ongoing efforts to modernize public sector work, promote employee well-being, and maintain service excellence.
The resolution took effect retroactively on March 6, 2026, aligning with Office of the President Memorandum Circular No. 114 that adopts the four-day onsite work arrangement.
On March 9, the four-day work week setup took effect following efforts to reduce energy load and transport fuel use amid the height of the Middle Eastern war. This will take effect until lifted or revoked by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Emergency or essential service workers such as policemen, firefighters, and frontline public officials are exempted from the setup.
