Edo State Head of Service Anthony Okungbowa provided a proactive solution to manage the effect of thrice-a-week on-work policy for workers in Edo State. It aligns with his commitment to issues/policies affecting the State Civil/Public Servants.
The HOS proposed a solution to address the controversial debate of the “thrice-a-week on-work. It is a new arrangement for the Edo workforce. He talked about it during a meeting with Permanent Secretaries, Directors, Heads of Departments of the various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in Edo State Civil/Public Service at the State’s Festival Hall in Benin City.
During the meeting, the Head of Service emphasized that “placing an effective work structure in line with the 3-day on-work and 2-day virtual new work arrangement is the aim of this meeting.”
Anthony Okungbowa urged representatives from various MDAs to draw work plans best suitable for quality service delivery. The plans must align with the new flexible structure. Accordingly, Anthony Okungbowa (Esq.) said that “quality of service must not drop due to the new arrangement. Regardless of the 3-days physical and 2-days virtual work schedules, the new arrangement improves officers’ effectiveness.”
He added that workers must maintain a conducive remote work atmosphere, confidentiality of data(s), and organized work settings.
He proposed three approaches: Fixed work time, Flexible work time, and Schedule work arrangement. The HOS further said that Heads of the various MDAs must consider the nature of duties. They must take note of deliverables, objectives, inventory of key services, individual tasks and targets, communication plan, feedback mechanism, support requirements for the remote working days as well as data security of every MDAs before implementation of any of the above template.
“The approach to adopt is left for the Heads of the various MDAs to decide.” the HOS added while explaining that it is the Heads of MDAs that better understand the work pattern practicable to them.
He urged the members of Staff to consistently employ EdoGov platform in delivering tasks/assignments promptly and efficiently. Anthony Okungbowa (Esq.) also informed them that the State Government had perfected plans towards equipping 3000 members of Staff with computer skills/knowledge.
Further, Chris Osarumwense of Greenfield Consults delivered a presentation on Guidelines for Work Time Arrangements (WTA). He claimed that a healthy Work Time Arrangement (WTA) helps reduce stress. It increases productivity, aids job satisfaction, and grants the opportunity to balance work-life with personal life.
