Since 1990, this issuances on a four-day work
week has been known in the Philippines as a “compressed workweek”. Until in
2011, when the recession period is still all over, having this scheme on work
schedules had been one of the options by most employers.
In September 2011, since this compressed
work week is not mandatory, one of the House Representatives, Winston Castelo
of Quezon City has pushed the adoption of the 10-hour, four day or 10/4
workweek in both public and private sectors. Primarily, purpose of this is to
give an opportunity for workers to have and enjoy a long weekend with their
families.
During compressed work week, workers would
still work for 40 hours per week, but only from Monday to Thursday. Friday,
Saturday and Sunday will be a day-off for all. That means , to complete the 40
hours in just four days, employees need to work 10 hours a day instead of the
regular 8 hours a day schedule.
I have known many companies who have adopted
this technique but since this policy is not mandatory, some employers who have
found difficulty or have found inapplicability of the said policy to the kind
of business that they have, did not follow such.
During the economic global crisis, this
flexible work arrangement was used by some establishments and has gotten good
results. It just shows that, if this
compressed work schedule will be used for its purpose and not to reduce the
income of employees then, it will lead to maximizing the personnel or the human
resources of the company at the same time giving them the benefit of having
more time with their families.
There are conditions from DOLE or Department of Labor and Employment which
are needed to be accomplished before one can fully implement this so- called
four days work scheme.
1.
It should be expressly and
voluntarily supported by a majority of the employees affected. Hence, gathering
of signatures, survey style on who is favored or not in favor of the 4 day work
schedules.
2.
In firms which conditions are
hazardous to ones health, a certification is needed from an accredited safety
organization or from the safety
committee within the company, that working beyond eight hours is not harmful
and that it is within the limits set by DOLE.
3.
Submit the requirements to the
DOLE regional office for approval and notification.
To those companies thinking about the
adaptation of this policy, it is important that having this shorter workweek
and longer weekend , service and productivity should never be compromised.
