NEW remote work rules for civil servants are being introduced from today.
They will include all jobs, except those dealing with education, health, or any assignment that requires in-person attendance, according to a decision issued by Civil Service Commission president Ahmed Al Zayed.
However, work that requires in-person attendance could be given special permission for remote work on a case-by-case basis.
The decision, published in the Official Gazette, includes a form that civil servants will have to fill, stating the days that they would be working remotely and the location from where they would be working.
“This new policy will enable civil servants to perform their work in line with modern policies that are productive, effective and contributive,” said Mr Al Zayed.
“It also creates a balance between work and employee’s interests with all commitments being fulfilled remotely without the need to show up at the work place,” he added.
“Permissions will be granted if work could be done remotely without affecting the office or nature of work.
“All civil servants are eligible to work remotely except those doing jobs that obviously require actual presence. But even they could be given special permission following an assessment.”
The decision added that the performance of all employees who are approved for remote work will be reviewed.
“Tasks, goals and deadlines will have to be respected with all necessary equipment and tools being made available alongside training for remote work,” it explained.
“All information remains confidential with accessibility being traceable and noted.
“Regular timings remain the same unless there is an agreement for flexible timings.”
All allowances will remain the same during the remote work period.
“A directorate could opt to allow the employee to work remotely, or the employee could request it,” said the decision.
“The period for remote work is no less than a month and no more than a year.”
In case of violations, remote working will be suspended immediately and the concerned employee will return to in-person working. Should the breaches constitute a major offence then disciplinary action will be taken.
Bahrain adopted the concept of remote work and education since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, in September this year the practice was cancelled, with all employees and students back in their seats.
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