THE Davao City Government is set to implement a flexible work schedule or "flexi-time" for all its employees due to the heavy traffic situation in the city.
Based on the report of Davao City Information Office, City Administrator Zulieka Lopez said in a memorandum that traffic congestion has affected the stress level of employees, compromising their work productivity.
A flexi-time scheme refers to an alternative work agreement other than the employees' prescribed work schedule, but will still follow the eight-hour mandatory working period per day for five days.
"The flexi-time scheme will grant the government employees the opportunity to render service at their most conducive time with respect to the traffic situation at present," Lopez said.
The adoption of the flexi-time schedule is in accordance with the Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular 14 issued in 1989, which says that "flexible working hours may be allowed subject to the discretion of the head of agency, provided that the 40 hours work week shall not be reduced."
Lopez said under the scheme, government offices will open beyond the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. working hours and clients can still be entertained.
Under the proposed flexi-time schedule guidelines, an employee may choose his or her reporting time from the following schemes: from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Based on the memorandum, the scheme will initially be implemented from Tuesday to Friday.
Those who want to avail themselves of any of the schemes -- especially those assigned in areas far from their residences -- should get a recommendation from their heads of offices. (With report from CIO)