The Ministry of Finance has confirmed that public sector working hours remain at 37.5 per week, following a circular issued last Thursday by the Department of Public Administration and Personnel.
Standard and flexible schedules explained
For services operating on a fixed schedule, staff must arrive by 7:30 a.m. and leave at 3:00 p.m. Meanwhile, employees under flexible schedules may start between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., finishing between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Where a two-hour flexible schedule is not feasible, department heads may limit flexibility for all or some employees, ensuring at least 45 minutes of flexible time within the specified framework, the circular added.
Public service hours for citizens unchanged
The circular also emphasises that public service hours remain unchanged. Citizens can access services from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., as set by the Ministerial Council Decision of 21 November 2013. Departments may extend these hours where possible to improve service quality.
New rules allow reduced working hours and telework
New regulations also allow employees to reduce daily working hours by up to two hours, with corresponding pay adjustments, under the law covering leave entitlements and flexible work arrangements for work-life balance.
Officials expect that the combination of flexible working hours and the introduction of telework in the public sector from April will help reduce traffic congestion during morning and afternoon peak periods.
Also read: Remote work in public sector: Guide for broader implementation
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