New labor department order requires standing breaks for workers in sedentary jobs

Sitting in an airconditioned room the whole day may sound like an ideal working condition to some but it turns out that this kind of environment has its own problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, diabetes, and obesity.

The Philippines’ Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) new order, issued on Wednesday aims to prevent these effects by requiring employees to provide standing breaks for their workers.

Department Order No. 184 was created for workers with sedentary jobs like toll booth employees, call center agents, and those in clerical positions.

Under the order, employees are tasked to establish regular five-minute breaks every two hours, encourage workers to stand and walk, provide workstations appropriate for sitting and standing, and organize activities for workers like dance lessons.

According to the order, it will take effect 15 days after it has been published in a newspaper of general circulation.



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