EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING. Civil Service Commission chairperson Karlo Nograles (second from left) during the recently concluded CSC Mindanao Sportsfest held on Feb. 8-10, 2023 in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, which was participated in by CSC officials and employees from Mindanao. Commissioner Aileen Lizada (third from left) also graced the event. (Photo courtesy of CSC)
MANILA – Mental and physical fitness programs are needed to promote the well-being of public officials and employees, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) said Friday.
In a statement, CSC Chairperson Karlo Nograles said such programs ensure a healthy and productive workforce.
Government agencies are mandated to craft and implement a mental health program (MHP) to promote overall mental wellness and provide an inclusive, conducive and supportive work environment for public officials and employees under CSC Resolution No. 1901265 or the Guidelines on the Development of MHP in the Public Sector promulgated on Oct. 23, 2019.
The resolution, anchored on Republic Act 11036 or the Mental Health Act of 2018, was disseminated through CSC Memorandum Circular No. 4, series 2020.
The model MHP cites physical fitness, teambuilding, regular stress management, organized peer counseling, support groups, interest groups, and continuing mental health awareness and education activities as activities to be conducted.
“The CSC recognizes the importance of taking care of employees’ physical and mental wellness to effectively fulfill their duties,” Nograles said.
Sports tournaments intend to strengthen camaraderie, sportsmanship and solidarity; and promote an active and healthy lifestyle among all CSC officials and employees, he added.
Government employees identified with mental health issues should be provided with intervention, treatment, referral and reintegration.
Debriefing interventions should be conducted in case of life-threatening situations or traumatic experience, work, or non-work related.
Government agencies are also tasked to integrate mental health in human resource development and management policies and programs. (PNA)
