FROM: TEL: FAX: TO: REF: CIRCULAR SAVINGRAM Acting Director of Public Service Kom Management S. 0. Rathedi 3622600 3972287 All Permanent Secretaries Attorney General Auditor General Commander, Botswana Defence Force Commissioner of Police Clerk of the National Assembly Director General, National Strategy Office Director General, DISS Director General, DCEC Director General, Ethics and Integrity Director General, Counter-Terrorism and Fusion Agency Secretary, Independent Electoral Commission Ombudsman Coordinator, NAHPA Registrar and Master of the High Court Registrar of the Industrial Court Executive Director, Botswana Public Service College District Commissioners Council Secretaries / Town Clerks Land Board Secretaries DP 19/72 IX (9) 28" October, 2021 FLEXIBLE WORKING ARRANGEMENTS — GUIDELINES FOLLOWING STATE O1 JERGEN' ‘SOE’ Reference is made to our DPSM Circular Savingram DP 19/72 (05) dated 29% January 2021 and subsequent ones providing guidance on working arrangements in response to COVID-19.The Government recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the way we work and interact in our workplace. Public Officers have played a major role in the response by ensuring that public services are provided seamlessly. We are aware that the pandemic still persists and Government continues to emphasise on the need to follow health protocols. It has nevertheless been decided to review the current flexible working arrangements which were put in place in response to COVID-19 infections across the country. Consultative meetings were held with Public Sector Unions and other key partners to review the flexible work arrangements for alignment. The review resulted in adjusting to “the new normal” without impacting negatively on service delivery while observing health protocols. In view of the above Government has made the following decisions: 1. _ Flexible Working Arrangements All flexible working arrangements introduced through the January DPSM Circular Savingram, i.e Working from Home, Staggering and Flexi time, shall cease with immediate effect, allowing for public services reverting to normal working hours and arrangements. Accounting Officers are requested to ensure that normal operations in their Ministries and State Owned Enterprises proceed without hindrances including adherence to health protocols. 2. — Psycho-social and Health Support Accounting Officers are further requested to strengthen and support their Safety, Health and Environment Units and in the process provide the following: (a) Psycho-social support for employees depending on available resources, (b) Holding or health rooms (sick bays) in public offices in order to accommodate and prepare for any health issues that may arise or as advised by health officials.(c) Continuous public education and awareness on COVID-19 protocols, health and environmental related risks in consonance with guidance from the Ministry of Health and Weliness. Lastly, as the fight against COVID-19 pandemic continues, addressees are encouraged to engage both the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Coordination Office for any advice should there be need. This Circular Savingram is with immediate effect and supersedes our previous communication on this subject. Thank you. cc: National Amalgamated Local and Central Government and Parastatal Workers Union Botswana Public Employees Union Botswana Land Boards, Local Authorities and Health Workers Union Botswana Teachers Union Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union Trainers and Allied Workers Union Botswana Nurses Union Botswana Government Workers Union Botswana Doctors Union 3|Page