Civil servants will soon be able to access flexible working arrangements under a new Fiji Civil Service policy aimed at improving work-life balance, employee wellbeing and operational efficiency across government ministries.
The Flexible Work Arrangement Policy, issued this month, forms part of Government’s broader efforts to modernise human resource management practices while maintaining service delivery standards.
According to the policy, an Employee Satisfaction Survey identified flexible working hours as a top priority among civil servants, highlighting increasing demand for improved work-life balance.
The policy states that flexible working arrangements are intended to support employees dealing with personal, caregiving, health and transport-related challenges while continuing to meet official duties and responsibilities.
“This policy promotes a balance between professional responsibilities and personal life, with the goal of enhancing job satisfaction and reducing burnout,” the document states.
Under the policy, eligible civil servants may apply for Flexible Working Hours, allowing them to begin and finish work earlier or later than standard working hours, provided operational requirements are maintained.
Civil servants approved for flexible work arrangements will still be required to complete their standard working hours between 7am and 5.30pm from Monday to Friday.
The policy establishes a mandatory “Core Time Band” between 9am and 3pm, during which all civil servants must remain available at their workplace regardless of flexible schedules.
The policy specifically excludes work-from-home arrangements, which are covered separately under another government policy.
Not all employees will qualify for flexible arrangements. Civil servants on probation, project staff, casual staff and temporary relievers are not eligible.
The document also states that flexible work arrangements are not an entitlement and may only be approved where operational requirements allow.
Permanent Secretaries will retain discretion over approvals and may suspend or terminate arrangements if operational needs change, performance standards decline or the policy is abused.
The policy outlines several circumstances where flexible arrangements may be considered, including pregnancy, caring responsibilities, chronic illness, domestic violence situations and transport difficulties.
Government says the policy is designed to create a more responsive and supportive public service while ensuring ministries continue to meet service delivery expectations.
