A RESOLUTION was file in Congress today urging the government to push for work-from-home and hybrid work arrangements as part of the so-called “new normal.”
This came after the government ordered that employees of business process outsourcing (BPO) centers to report for work on-site by April 1, 2022.
The resolution stated that it would be best if the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will lead the promotion and to push for work-from-home and other similar practices for the protection of the health and general welfare of employees.
It was also pointed out in the resolution that even before the pandemic, the government already expressed support for remote office work under Republic Act No. 11165 or the Telecommuting Act.
The call was made amid the rising prices of petroleum products, food and services brought about by the raging conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which happened while the world is still in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It said this will add further burden to many employees, especially those who will return to office-based work because possible expenses that will only eat up on their wages.
More importantly, the resolution said that the work-from-home concept was already a proven effective and productive option in various sectors, particularly for BPOs and other technical and knowledge-based services.