The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has approved a grant of up to five days of Wellness Leave (WL) for eligible government officials and employees to support workplace strategies under the Mental Health Act.
Under CSC Resolution No. 2501292, the commission emphasized provisions of Joint Administrative Order No. 2023-000, which prioritizes mental health in workplace health-promotion programs.
It is issued jointly with the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Health.
The decision comes in response to findings from the 2025 Global Workplace Report, which revealed that Filipino workers have the second-highest stress levels in Southeast Asia, driven by heavy workloads and unhealthy lifestyles.
“The Wellness Leave is a proactive response to the realities faced by our workforce today. By giving employees the space to rest, recover, and care for themselves, we reinforce a public service environment that is compassionate, resilient, and more responsive to the needs of the Filipino people,” CSC Chairperson Marilyn Barua-Yap said Tuesday.
The CSC clarified that the Wellness Leave may be taken for a maximum of three consecutive days at a time or on separate non-consecutive days.
It is non-cumulative, non-commutable, and will be forfeited if unused within the calendar year.
Eligible employees can use it for mental health care, physical wellness activities, or simply to take a general break from work.
The leave is separate from existing entitlements such as vacation or sick leave, and it is specifically intended for wellness and recovery.
Applications must be recommended by the immediate supervisor and approved by the head of office.
Filing follows the same procedures as vacation or sick leave, with requests submitted at least five days prior to the intended leave. In emergencies, employees may file upon returning to work.
To ensure a safe space for those availing of the leave for mental health reasons, the CSC stressed that all information related to an applicant’s mental health will be treated confidentially, in compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
The policy will take effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation, with a follow-up advisory to announce the official publication and effectivity date.
The CSC affirmed its commitment to fostering a supportive work environment that promotes resilience, uplifts morale, and strengthens the public sector’s capacity to provide compassionate service to citizens.
