CSC Introduces Wellness Leave to Support Healthier, More Resilient Government Workforce

In a bid to strengthen workplace mental health and overall well-being in the public sector, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has approved the granting of up to five (5) days of Wellness Leave (WL) for eligible government officials and employees. The new policy aligns with Republic Act No. 11036, or the Mental Health Act, and reflects the government’s commitment to creating a healthier, more resilient civil service.

The policy, issued through CSC Resolution No. 2501292, supports the provisions of Joint Administrative Order No. 2023-000 of the CSC, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Department of Health (DOH). These guidelines highlight mental health as a priority in workplace health promotion. Recent findings from the 2025 Global Workplace Report further emphasize the urgency of such measures, revealing that Filipino workers experience the second-highest stress levels in Southeast Asia, driven by unhealthy lifestyle patterns and demanding workloads.

CSC Chairperson Marilyn Barua-Yap described the Wellness Leave as a necessary step toward addressing the realities faced by the modern workforce.

“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,” she said.

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Key Provisions of the Wellness Leave

Availment Period

• Employees may take the leave for up to three (3) consecutive days or spread it out as non-consecutive days within the year.

• The benefit is non-cumulative, non-commutable, and automatically forfeited if unused within the calendar year.

Allowable Purposes

• The WL may be used for:

  • Mental health care

  • Physical wellness activities

  • General rest or personal rejuvenation

• It is distinct from Vacation and Sick Leave, as it specifically aims to support employee wellness and recovery.

Application and Approval Process

• Applications must be recommended by the immediate supervisor and approved by the head of office.

• Filing follows existing procedures for leave benefits.

• Requests must be submitted at least five (5) days before the intended date.

• In emergency cases, employees may file immediately upon returning to work.

Confidentiality

• Information related to mental health conditions will be handled with strict confidentiality, in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, ensuring employees feel safe in accessing the benefit.

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Implementation and Next Steps

The policy will take effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation. A follow-up advisory will be issued to announce its official publication and effectivity date. CSC Resolution No. 2501292 will also be available on the CSC website once published.

The CSC reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing a supportive work environment that promotes resilience, enhances workplace morale, and strengthens public service delivery. By prioritizing employee wellness, the Commission aims to build a civil service that is not only more productive but also more capable of delivering compassionate and effective service to the Filipino people.