Home⇛NRCP Research Journal⇛vol. 24 no. 1 (2025)

The Future Of Work In The Philippine Public Sector: Learnings From Experiences With Mandatory Telecommuting During The Covid-19 Pandemic

Rowena P Gelvezon | Cheryl Joy F Abila | Duvince Zhalimar J Dumpit | Oscar Jinon | Inaj Mae Abalajon | Pearl Gladys Diano | Mary Jane Castromayor | Jhoanne Marsh Gatpatan

Discipline: social policy

 

Abstract:

This study examines the experiences of Filipino government workers who were required to telecommute during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data were gathered from 31 government workers from various offices nationwide using virtual focus group discussions (FGD). Participants were grouped into three clusters to ensure a fair representation of employee characteristics. The collected data were processed following a protocol and analyzed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that telecommuting has paradoxical effects on individual performance and productivity, professional and social isolation, and work-life balance. Telecommuting is seen as multidimensional and highly situational, hence, a “customized” or “tailoredfit” approach rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach is recommended. When developing a telecommuting program, it is crucial to consider culture, nature of work, worker characteristics, supervisors’ roles, information and communication technology, and other contexts. Findings from the study will be helpful to government organizations that are considering remote work programs for their employees.



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