Some mornings, it’s not just a cup of coffee or an extra hour of sleep that employees need—it’s a pause for the mind, the body, or simply to breathe. And now, government workers have a formal excuse to do just that.
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has rolled out Wellness Leave, a new benefit designed to let public servants take up to five days off a year for mental health care, physical wellness, or just a break from the daily grind.
Separate from vacation, sick, or special leave, this policy reflects a growing recognition that work-life balance matters.
“Maganda naman ang kanilang kalagayan, wala naman sila sa panganib, hindi naman sila naiipit sa labanan; nailikas naman kaagad sila nang maaga,” said CSC officials, emphasizing that the government workforce’s well-being is a priority.
All government employees—permanent, temporary, substitute, coterminous, fixed-term, contractual, or casual—can avail of the leave, including those in constitutional bodies, national agencies, state universities, local governments, and even government-owned corporations.
But before you start imagining a five-day spa retreat, there are rules. The leave can be taken for up to three consecutive days, or spread across the year in non-consecutive days.
Applications must generally be filed five days in advance, except in emergencies, and approval still depends on operational requirements and agency discretion.
The leave is non-cumulative, cannot be converted to cash, and will be forfeited if unused within the year.
Contract of Service and Job Order employees may have different rules depending on their individual agreements.
Agencies with existing wellness or mental health leave programs may keep them or shift to the new Wellness Leave, as long as they follow applicable laws and regulations.
It’s more than just a day off. It’s a formal recognition that taking care of yourself makes you better at taking care of your work—and that sometimes, the healthiest leave you can take is for your own well-being
