4-day Work Week Philippines: How will it Affect the Filipino Work Culture?

The Philippines is exploring a four day workweek in order to preserve energy as the cost of petroleum continues to soar throughout the world, fueled by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. A boost in the minimum wage and more help for drivers are among the solutions being considered by government officials in response to recent price rises that have been particularly severe.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) proposed a salary subsidy for private sector employees of P24 billion, which would assist around one million workers for three months from April to June.

In a statement, Labor Department Assistant Secretary Dominique Tutay claimed that the idea of this three month wage subsidy will help vulnerable groups, including those who make the minimum wage. She noted that this would also provide "breathing room" for newly reopened micro, small, and medium firms to recuperate and thrive.

National Economic and Development Authority: Change eight hours work instead of minimum wage increase

As a way to lessen the economic and social effect of the sharp rise in gasoline costs on Filipinos, MALACAÑANG is looking at the suggestion of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to introduce a four day workweek and to prolong the WFH and flexible work arrangements.

In line with this, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua advocated reducing the number of workdays in order to restrict the movement of employees and lessen the impact of soaring gasoline costs on the economy as well as conserve energy. As an alternative to raising the minimum wage, he suggested a 10-hour, four-day workweek.

Through this proposed 10 hours four-day workweek, employees would only need to commute for four days a week instead of five. According to Chua, people can save some money in the long run and our economy can benefit, as we sidestep with the rising fuel costs.

In addition, Chua also said that in 2008, when gasoline costs rose, a similar mechanism was put into place.

Meanwhile, a new legislation is not needed to implement the four-day workweek, according to the Labor Department. Benjo Benavidez, the Labor Undersecretary, noted that companies may apply it at any moment in conjunction with their workers.

According to him, under the Philippines' Labor Code, the standard working week is six days, but the employer may lower it to five, four, or three days if necessary. He also added that the planned four-day workweek is under the management prerogative so it can be implemented even without the requirement for legislative approval.

However, when it comes to IT-BPO companies operating in economic zones, Benavidez warned that the consequences might include the loss of tax breaks. Due to this, remote work agreements will not be allowed to continue beyond March 31, 2022, according to the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB).

Benefits of a four-day workweek

Shifting from eight hours of work a day to 10 hours of work for four days is a huge step to our working individuals since it means an additional two hours of work for four working days, granting them a three days weekend.

Aside from avoiding the skyrocketing fuel prices, you might be wondering what are the other benefits to you, as an employee, when you add two hours more to your eight hours shift.

1. A Workplace That Treats Everyone Equally

According to statistics, there are 89% of those who are now unemployed because of childcare duties are women. With more time to spend with their families and the ability to balance their caregiving and professional obligations, workers who work a 4-day week have an advantage over those who do not.

2. Limiting Carbon Emissions

Countries with shorter working hours often have a lower carbon footprint, so lowering our work week from 5 to 4 days might have an environmental effect as well. Reduced commuting times and fewer days spent in huge office buildings are two of the many benefits of a shorter work week for workers.

3. Improves Employee Satisfaction

Employees who work a four-day week are more likely to be satisfied and devoted. In order to avoid stress and illness, employees have plenty of time to relax and recuperate. When they go back to work, they're ready for new challenges because they've taken time to recharge and recharge themselves.

4. Work Productivity Increases

Sanford University did an in-depth study of the link and productivity and found a definite association. Employees that are overworked are really less productive than those who work a regular or typical work week.

The findings of this research should come as no surprise, considering that the most productive nations in the world, such as Norway, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, work an average of roughly 27 hours per week — the same number of hours advocated for a four-day work week in the United Kingdom.

On the other hand, despite its reputation for overworked workers, Japan ranks 20th out of 35 nations for productivity.

Disadvantages to a 4 Day Work Week

However, there are some downsides to working 4 days a week in addition to the numerous advantages it offers. Implementing a four-day work week may be challenging since the correct support, technology, and workplace culture are needed for success. New changes will always be met with difficulties and drawbacks, as is to be expected. Although we already have an upper hand on this issue as most businesses already invested in a remote set up during the first year of the pandemic, making it easier for the companies to make adjustments for a flexible working hour.

Due to the skyrocketing oil prices in the country, many Filipinos are also considering some ways on how to save up on their fuel consumption. It's good to know that the government is open to discussions regarding flexible work arrangements that can greatly help our economy to conserve energy while providing a possible work life balance for the employees.

Adding up two more hours of work in your regular shift can be more bearable if your home or residential unit is near your workplace. You don't have to spend much time commuting or traveling and at the same time, help you to save money on fuel.

That's why in starting your real estate investment, make sure to choose a community that is not just highly accessible but also near or within a masterplanned community.

Lumina Homes offer these kinds of house and lot packages in its over 50 projects nationwide. If you want to know more about our home model units and community locations, you can visit our website for details.

Be practical and choose convenience with Lumina Homes.