Implementation of the Wellness Leave Benefit Effective 01 January 2026

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has introduced a new type of leave called Wellness Leave (WL). This benefit is designed to help government employees take care of their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Following the publication of CSC Resolution No. 2501292, the Wellness Leave Policy officially took effect on 1 January 2026.

To guide government HR practitioners and employees, the Civil Service Commission has released Memorandum Circular No. 1, s. 2026, outlining the rules for implementation.

Read the full guidelines here: https://bit.ly/3LJACzo

Here is a clear and simple guide to what Wellness Leave is, who can use it, and how it works.

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What Is Wellness Leave?

Wellness Leave is a new leave benefit that allows government employees to take time off specifically for their overall well-being. It may be used for:

• Mental health care
• Physical wellness activities
• Rest and recovery
• Taking a short break to recharge from work

Unlike vacation leave, Wellness Leave is focused on health and well-being, not travel or personal errands.

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Who Can Avail of Wellness Leave?

All government officials and employees may apply for Wellness Leave, regardless of their employment status. This includes those who are:

• Permanent
• Temporary
• Substitute
• Coterminous
• Fixed-term
• Contractual
• Casual

The policy applies to personnel working in:

• Constitutional bodies
• National government agencies
• Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) with original charters
• Local Government Units (LGUs)
• State Universities and Colleges

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How Many Days of Wellness Leave Are Allowed?

Government agencies may grant up to five (5) days of Wellness Leave per year.

Important points to remember:

• These 5 days are separate from:

  • 15 days Vacation Leave

  • 15 days Sick Leave

  • 3 days Special Leave

• Wellness Leave does not increase or reduce your other leave credits.

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Can All 5 Wellness Leave Days Be Used at Once?

No. Employees cannot take all five days in one continuous period.

Wellness Leave may be used in either of these ways:

• Consecutively, but only up to a maximum of three (3) days at a time, or
• On separate, non-consecutive days, spread throughout the year

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How Do You Apply for Wellness Leave?

To use Wellness Leave, employees must follow these rules:

• File the application at least five (5) days before the intended date of leave
• The 5-day advance filing may be waived in emergency situations

Additional reminders:

• Wellness Leave is non-cumulative (unused days do not carry over to the next year)
• It is not convertible to cash
  
• Unused Wellness Leave is forfeited at the end of the calendar year

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Is Wellness Leave Automatically Approved?

No. Wellness Leave is not guaranteed.

While agencies are authorized to grant it, approval is still subject to:

• Agency discretion
• Operational or staffing needs
• Proper filing and complete documentation

Just like other types of leave, Wellness Leave applications may be denied due to work requirements or non-compliance with procedures.

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Are Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) Workers Covered?

For COS and JO workers, eligibility for Wellness Leave depends on:

• The terms stated in their individual contracts
• Existing rules and issuances that apply to their engagement

In short, Wellness Leave for JO and COS workers is not automatic and must be checked against their contract conditions.

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What If an Agency Already Has a Similar Wellness Benefit?

Government agencies that already offer leave benefits with a similar purpose (such as mental health or well-being leave) may choose to:

• Keep their existing benefit, or
• Replace it with the new Wellness Leave, as long as they follow applicable laws, rules, and regulations