CSC OKs grant of wellness leave for gov’t workers

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has approved the grant of up to five days of Wellness Leave (WL) for eligible government officials and employees to help strengthen workplace strategies aligned with the Mental Health Act.

In a press release, CSC Chairperson Marilyn Barua-Yap said the Wellness Leave is a "proactive response to the realities" faced by the government's workforce today.

"By giving employees the space to rest, recover, and care for themselves, we reinforce a public service environment that is compassionate, resilient, and more responsive to the needs of the Filipino people,” she said.

Under CSC Resolution No. 2501292, the commission cited provisions of Joint Administrative Order No. 2023-000, issued with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Health (DOH), which identifies mental health as a priority area for workplace health-promotion interventions.

The new policy is supported by findings from the 2025 Global Workplace Report, which showed that Filipino workers have the second-highest stress levels in Southeast Asia, driven by unhealthy lifestyles and heavy workloads.

The Wellness Leave may be taken for up to three consecutive days at a time or on separate, non-consecutive days. It is non-cumulative, non-commutable, and will be forfeited if unused within the calendar year.

Employees may avail of the leave for mental health care, physical wellness activities, or simply to take a general break from work.

The CSC said the leave is distinct from existing entitlements such as vacation and sick leave and is intended specifically for wellness and recovery.

Applications for WL must be recommended by the immediate supervisor and submitted to the head of office for approval.

Filing will follow the same procedures used for vacation leave, sick leave, and other leave privileges within the agency, the CSC said.

Applications must be filed at least five days before the intended date of availment. For emergency cases, filing must be done immediately upon return to work.

According to the CSC, the new policy on the grant of WL will take effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation, with a follow-up advisory to announce the official publication and effectivity date.—MCG, GMA Integrated News