Studies to assess Govt’s flexible work policy

Four months after Government rolled out its Flexible Work Arrangements Policy in the public service, a study will be done to determine whether it has been effective so far.

Director of Human Resource Policy and Staffing Directorate in the Ministry of the Public Service, Kim Belle said a second survey on the policy, which was rolled out in April, will be carried out before yearend.

“We need to be able to report on how the policy is being utilised within the public service. We need to look at its effectiveness and see if there are any areas that we need to tweak,” Belle said.

“So, therefore, we will be launching the first survey later in August, with the intention of getting feedback, looking to see what the takeup has been by public officers and if there are any challenges or areas for improvement.”

She noted that as the Flexible Work Arrangements Policy continued to be rolled out during the year, authorities would need additional information to make any changes to the overall system, hence the reason for the second survey.

“That way, we will be able to determine how many persons are using it, which work arrangement is most popular, which work arrangements may be presenting the most challenge to the employee and supervisor, and if any adjustments are needed,” Belle explained.

The four flexible work arrangement options available to public officers are: compressed week, flexi-time, staggered hours and telecommuting.

Based on a study conducted for the Ministry of the Public Service, the new work initiative is expected to contribute to a reduction in absenteeism, as employees will be able to balance their personal and work commitments.

Belle said supervisors must evaluate the arrangement during the approved period to ensure it is working.

“As soon as challenges are identified, or there are falling standards, there must be an immediate conversation to find out why there are gaps in the agreed work arrangement, and how can they be rectified. This approach is in alignment with the Ministry’s Performance Review and Development System,” she explained.

Some ministries have already implemented the Flexible Work Arrangements Policy in their departments, including the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment. (BGIS)