Dear Editor,

The first week of the phased roll-out for flexible work arrangements marks a significant milestone for Jamaica’s public sector.

As of February 2, 2026 we have transitioned from theoretical policy to practical implementation, challenging the outdated nine-to-five mindset. This change is a key part of the Public Sector Transformation Programme, shifting focus from physical presence to measurable results. Prioritising outcomes over desk hours, we are modernising the civil service to meet 21st-century economic demands.

This shift offers benefits beyond individual convenience. It helps alleviate our national infrastructure strain by spreading work hours across staggered shifts from 6:30 am to 7:00 pm, reducing traffic congestion in our town centres. This redistribution will help to save fuel costs and thousands of man-hours previously lost in traffic, while also extending access to government services.

To sustain this initiative, a results-based management approach is essential. Department heads should move away from process-based supervision and implement clear key performance indicators. Success should be gauged by service quality and efficiency rather than hours in a chair, fostering employee autonomy and accountability. Digital tools will be vital in tracking progress and maintaining transparency, ensuring productivity regardless of location or shift.

Protecting our workforce is crucial. As flexibility is adopted, we must establish a “right to disconnect” to prevent burnout and avoid constant availability expectations. The Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions should remain actively involved, ensuring that job security, salaries, and benefits are preserved, especially in critical areas like health care where continuous service is vital.

As Jamaica advances on this path, we should proceed cautiously yet optimistically. The long-term benefits, improved morale, reduced commuting costs, and better work-life balance, are substantial and could reshape our society. By balancing efficiency with worker welfare, the public sector can become a model of modernisation for the Caribbean.

So now we observe and assess the implementation period so that adjustments can be made to increase productivity and efficiency in the public sector.

Ricardo Smith

Senior educator and social scientist

ricardo.professional.edu@gmail.com