Monitor flexible work pilot: Parliamentary Committee

A parliamentary committee has urged the Ministry of Civil Service (MCS) to closely evaluate its flexible work pilot before expanding it across the public service.

Parliament's Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence made the recommendation in its review of the ministry's 2022–2023 Annual Report, tabled in Parliament last week.

The committee recommended that the ministry closely monitor and assess the pilot programme and provide clear implementation guidelines before introducing it across the wider civil service.

It found that the flexible work policy is currently being piloted in six ministries and remains under review by the Public Service Commission.

A full rollout is anticipated by the end of the year to help address commuting and traffic-related challenges.

The policy allows civil servants, particularly those travelling along congested routes such as the Nausori-Suva corridor, to start work later and make up the hours at another time.

Ministry Permanent Secretary Pita Tagicakirewa told the committee that, for example, a civil servant delayed by traffic could start work as late as 11am and make up the lost hours after work.

The civil service employs more than 30,000 people, making it the country's largest workforce.

The committee also highlighted ongoing risks relating to governance, recruitment and retention, employee wellbeing, and the need for appropriate right-sizing recommendations arising from a civil service functional review that is still underway.

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