The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued a crucial reminder to private establishments on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, urging them to prioritize the occupational safety and health (OSH) of their workers when implementing compressed workweek arrangements. In a televised public briefing, DOLE spokesman Lennard Serrano highlighted that employers must carefully evaluate the potential productivity impacts of extended work hours.
Focus on Worker Welfare and Sustainability
Serrano stressed that the nature of each establishment or industry must be thoroughly assessed to ensure that any compressed workweek setup safeguards worker welfare and safety while being sustainable over time. "We are looking at the nature of the establishments or industry to ensure that these arrangements would consider the welfare and safety of the workers, and on whether they can be sustained," he stated. He further emphasized, "Will this extension of work cause workers any harm? That is what we will look at. The safety and health of the workers should not be compromised."
A compressed workweek involves completing the standard number of working hours across fewer days, which can lead to longer daily shifts. This arrangement has gained attention as businesses explore flexible work models to adapt to evolving economic and social demands.
Limitations of Telecommuting
In addition to discussing compressed workweeks, Serrano acknowledged that the proposed work-from-home setup is not feasible for all industries. He explained that telecommuting, which involves working from an alternative location using telecommunications or computer technology, is not universally applicable. "We are now looking at the nature of work, on which work can be taken home. Every sector has their distinction. There may be a sector or work that cannot be taken home to maintain productivity," he noted.
Serrano specifically pointed out sectors like mining, agriculture, and manufacturing, where remote work poses significant challenges and could hinder productivity. "For work such as in mining, agriculture, manufacturing, it would be difficult and workers will not be productive under the work-from-home setup," he added, underscoring the need for tailored approaches based on industry-specific requirements.
Alternative Proposals from Labor Groups
Meanwhile, the Nagkaisa Labor Coalition (Nagkaisa) has put forward a different alternative work arrangement, advocating for a shorter workweek instead of compressed hours. In a statement, the coalition urged the government to consider adopting reduced work hours for employees, arguing that this could enhance focus and efficiency.
"Workers are often most productive within five to six hours of focused work. So instead of compressing work into a 10-hour grind, why not seriously explore a six-hour workday? A worker who is less tired is more focused, more efficient, and more productive," said Nagkaisa.
The labor group referenced historical reductions in working hours, noting how daily shifts decreased from 12 to 16 hours in the 19th century to eight hours in the 20th century. "In the 21st century, we must now ask whether artificial intelligence and productivity gains can justify a shorter, more humane workday," Nagkaisa concluded, highlighting the potential for technological advancements to support modern work-life balance initiatives.
