DOLE Philippines returns to five-day workweek after temporary compressed schedule

The Philippines’ Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has officially reverted to a standard five-day workweek beginning June 1, ending a temporary compressed workweek arrangement that had been introduced as part of government-led energy conservation efforts.

The move comes after more than two months of implementing a four-day compressed workweek and hybrid schedules across DOLE offices in response to rising global oil prices and growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have intensified concerns over fuel costs and operational expenses.

In a memorandum signed on May 28, Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino directed all DOLE bureaus, regional offices, services, and attached agencies to resume the original five-day work structure.

The compressed workweek had been adopted following the Office of the President’s Memorandum Circular No. 114, which instructed government agencies to implement stricter energy conservation measures amid global market volatility. The circular also allowed agencies to explore alternative work arrangements, including four-day workweeks, to reduce energy consumption in the public sector.

However, DOLE said the temporary arrangement would now be revoked to ensure uninterrupted delivery of labour and social protection services.

“As the primary responsible agency for labor standards and social protection, and to satisfy the non-impediment clause of MC No. 114 and to fulfill the Department’s statutory mandate to the public, the interim four-day compressed workweek arrangement is hereby revoked, and the standard five-day workweek structure is formally restored,” the memorandum stated.

Despite the reversal, the department highlighted measurable energy savings achieved during the compressed workweek period. 

DOLE’s electricity consumption reportedly fell from 113,560 kWh in February 2026 to 100,720 kWh in March 2026 after the arrangement was implemented. Fuel consumption also dropped significantly, declining by 970.22 liters over the same period.

The renewed discussion around alternative work arrangements reflects broader concerns among employers and policymakers over escalating transportation and operational costs linked to volatile energy markets. 

Flexible work models, including hybrid schedules and compressed workweeks, continue to gain attention as governments and businesses search for ways to balance productivity, employee well-being, and cost efficiency.

DOLE said it would continue implementing energy-saving measures even as employees return to the traditional five-day office setup.