Four-day work week pushed amid rising oil costs

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MANILA, Philippines — The country’s business sector is being encouraged to adopt a four-day work week to mitigate the impact of soaring fuel costs triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas made the appeal following Malacañang’s earlier directive for government agencies to implement temporary compressed work schedules to slash national fuel and energy consumption.

“Hinihiling po natin sa ating business sector na makiisa sa paggawa ng mga hakbang upang matugunan ang krisis sa langis habang ang gulo sa Middle East ay hindi pa nareresolba,” Vargas said.

Vargas described the shift to a four-day work week as a “win-win-win” scenario for the economy. He noted that a compressed schedule provides a necessary psychological and economic buffer for employees.

An extra day at home, according to the councilman, reduces commuting costs and fuel consumption by 20% immediately. It also cuts down on incidental spending for outside meals and on-the-go purchases, which is vital as pump prices reach unprecedented triple-digit figures. 

He added that more time for family and household management significantly reduces employee anxiety, brought by worries about the long-term effects of the crisis on jobs and their financial situation. Allaying these fears will in turn boost workplace productivity.

“Halimbawa, ang daming taga Quezon City ang nagtatrabaho sa business districts ng Makati at BGC. Today, they spend thousands of pesos a week sa gas at pamasahe pa lang. Dati nasa hundreds lang yon. Kung matutulungan natin silang tugunan ito, mas klaro at produktibo sila sa trabaho,” Vargas said.

Meanwhile, Vargas emphasized that business establishments could cut operational costs by approximately 20% by closing physical offices for an extra day.

According to the lawmaker, the reduction in utility and maintenance expenses would also provide a critical lifeline for small and medium enterprises currently struggling with the sudden rise in logistics and overhead prices.

The Philippines is currently grappling with a national energy emergency. Following disruptions in global oil supplies, domestic gasoline and diesel prices have surged to record highs, straining both household budgets and business margins.

“Sobrang kawawa na ang ating mga hardworking Filipinos who are pouring blood, sweat and tears for their families.” Vargas said. “Lahat ay makikinabang sa hakbang na ito. Parehong mga business owner at empleyado ay makakabawas sa kanilang gastusin habang nakakatulong tayo sa bansa na makabawas sa pagkonsumo ng langis.” 

He also called on Quezon City employers to initiate the adoption of a four-day workweek, which could provide a template for other local governments to follow.

“Hinihikayat ko ang pribadong sektor sa Quezon City at sa buong bansa: sama-sama po tayong magtulungan para ating malampasan ang pagsubok na hatid ng gulo sa Middle East. Let us adopt the four-day workweek that the national government has initiated,” Vargas said. (Contributed story)