Public Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya says a study on hybrid work arrangements in the Public Service has found that 55% of departments lack hybrid policies, while 24% have implemented post-COVID policies.
“The PSC’s research aims to provide insights into the effectiveness of hybrid work arrangements and inform future policies on work arrangements in the Public Service,” Gxoyiya said.
Addressing media in Pretoria on Wednesday, Gxoyiya said the study, which initially involved six service delivery departments, aimed to draw lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, and its forced shift to alternative working arrangements.
“The extended study sampled all national departments and government components, with responses from 38 entities,” Gxoyiya said.
Gxoyiya said the Western Cape Provincial Government has a guide that was used to develop policies in different provincial departments, which follows the Telecommuting Hybrid Model.
“While hybrid work arrangements have shown benefits like cost savings, improved work-life balance, talent attraction, and job satisfaction, the public service is lagging behind in implementation,” Gxoyiya said, adding that the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) should finalise the proposed transversal guide or frame.
The work is based on lessons from departments that are implementing hybrid work arrangements polices and benchmarking with other countries.
“The framework can be used by other departments to develop their own policies to ensure consistency across the Public Service. The DPSA, in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Labour, should develop a comprehensive work from home toolkit on how employees and processes should be managed while working from home.
“Departments must develop human resource development strategies in line with the DPSA guidelines to ensure effective employee onboarding, induction and skills transfer. The Public Service should embrace technology and explore cost effective ways of automating and digitising processes to improve operational effectiveness and efficiency,” he said.
In addition, Gxoyiya said: “The Public Service, led by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, should promote efficient use of facilities in sourcing office space. Departments can share office space for example as they reduce their accommodation needs.”
Gxoyiya said the Public Service, led by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, should promote efficient use of facilities in sourcing office space.
“The Public Service, led by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, should promote efficient use of facilities in sourcing office space. Departments can share office space for example as they reduce their accommodation needs.
“This will enable the Public Service to release available state properties for repurposing into reasonable accommodation for students, pensioners and low-income earners,” he said.
Gxoyiya said whilst taking steps to limit employer exposure on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) responsibilities, government departments should take steps to ensure a safe working environment even in a remote setting. – SAnews.gov.za
