Distance learning, flexible workweek options ease heat wave, traffic congestion woes

The Department of Education suspended classes nationwide yesterday and today due to the latest heat index levels. A record high temperature of 36.8 degrees Celsius (101.8 degrees Fahrenheit) was experienced on Saturday, April 27, with the heat index, which takes into account humidity, reaching 45 degrees Celsius. The current heat wave is expected to last until the middle of May, or for at least two more weeks, and the raging El Niño phenomenon has exacerbated its impact.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “exposure to heat causes severe symptoms, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke — a condition which causes faintness, as well as dry, warm skin, due to the inability of the body to control high temperatures.”

Climate change and global warming have brought on increased exposure to heat waves. Between 2000 and 2016, the number of people exposed to heatwaves increased by around 125 million. The WHO reports that more than 166,000 died due to heatwaves between 1998 and 2017; more than 70,000 died during the 2003 heatwave in Europe.

Due to the urban heat island effect (UHI), the effects of heat are more severe in cities, but those living in non-urban communities are also prone to suffer disruption of livelihood and well-being.

Just like during the coronavirus pandemic, the heatwave has prompted a return to asynchronous or distance learning. Students are expected to study assigned learning materials with the guidance of parents and guardians at home. In technologically-advanced schools whose learners are equipped at home with digital tools, this could be carried out seamlessly — but this is the exception rather than the rule. Students’ quality learning is likely to decline in this suboptimal scenario.

On another front, the Department of Finance (DOF) has announced that it will shift to a four-day workweek starting May to alleviate the burden imposed on employees by traffic congestion in Metro Manila. This flexible work arrangement is allowed by the Civil Service Commission. Government departments and offices may observe 10-hour workdays for four days, instead of the standard eight-hour work day and five-day workweek.

This arrangement enables covered workers to enjoy an extra day off from work — and an opportunity to engage in home- and family-oriented activities that are beneficial to health and well-being. In Asia, Japan initiated an optional four-day workweek in 2011; in Belgium, there are four 10-hour workdays in a week; Brazil and Canada began piloting this practice in 2023.

Australia’s pilot experiment in 2022, participated in by 20 companies, produced beneficial outcomes. The work-life balance outcomes were remarkable. Two-thirds of employees said that they were more satisfied with their use of time. Half of all participants reported less conflict in families. Frequency of exercise increased. Health and well-being outcomes were similarly positive. Reduction in burnout was reported by 64 percent; 38 percent felt less stressed.

Extraordinary times call for innovative alternatives that could potentially bring about improved quality of work life and enhance the well-being of a productive citizenry.