In a bid to promote work-life balance for all its employees while ensuring continued productivity, the ICLEI Southeast Asia Secretariat based in Quezon City, Philippines will be piloting a 4-day workweek beginning the second week of May 2023.

From a 5-day workweek, the Secretariat will now have its regular operations from Monday to Thursday, with Fridays off beginning 12 May 2023.

“We recognize that ICLEI SEAS employees can be more productive, effective, and efficient when they are able to enjoy additional time for rest and to engage in their other pursuits,” explained ICLEI SEAS Regional Director Victorino Aquitania on piloting the new schedule.

“This additional rest day can also allow employees to chase opportunities for self-improvement and personal fulfillment, while also optimizing their engagement with our partners in the programs, projects, and activities that we are implementing,” he added.

This new schedule will be implemented for an initial period of six months. Outcomes will then be evaluated, with the final policy to be adjusted based on the results of this review.

The ICLEI SEAS 4-day work week complements its other policies and employee benefits related to work-life balance, including vacation and sick leaves, various paid time off options, and its 10-day monthly telecommuting option.