Public Sector Adopts 3-Month Hybrid Model to Combat Rising Energy Costs

Following a Circular Note from the Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms, the Mauritian government has officially sanctioned a new framework for telecommuting and flexible working hours. This policy is set to take effect on Monday, 11 May 2026, for an initial duration of three months.

The directive, addressed to all Supervising Officers-in-charge of Ministries and Departments, serves as a strategic response to the economic repercussions of the Middle East conflict.

The primary objective is to reduce national pressure on fuel and energy consumption within the public sector.

1. Work Modalities: Telecommuting and Hybrid Models

Administrative heads are tasked with reviewing their workforce to identify positions eligible for remote work, with a particular focus on professionals and senior management.

The selection process must balance three core factors:

• Job Nature: Whether the tasks can be performed digitally.
• Agent Autonomy: The employee’s ability to work without direct physical supervision.
• Physical Necessity: The essential requirement for a presence at the office.

Hybrid Work: If a role cannot be performed entirely from home, departments are encouraged to implement a hybrid model.

This combines remote work with scheduled office days to ensure operational needs are met while maintaining a physical presence in all sections throughout the week.

2. Flexible Hours (Flexi-time)

For staff members who cannot work remotely—particularly those in frontline service delivery—flexible hours will be introduced.

This is subject to the condition that service quality remains uncompromised and office operations are not disrupted.

Shift Options for General Staff

(Excluding Office Auxiliaries)

• Total Window: 08:30 to 16:30
• Core Hours (Mandatory Presence): 09:15 to 15:45
• Approved Time Slots:
  • 08:30 – 15:45
  • 08:45 – 16:00
  • 09:00 – 16:15
  • 09:15 – 16:30
  • 09:30 – 16:45

Shift Options for Office Auxiliary/Senior Office Auxiliary

• Total Window: 07:45 to 16:45
• Core Hours (Mandatory Presence): 08:00 to 16:15
• Approved Time Slots:
  • 07:45 – 16:15
  • 08:00 – 16:30
  • 08:15 – 16:45
  • 08:30 – 17:00

3. Administrative and Financial Provisions

• Monitoring and Continuity: Departments must implement tracking mechanisms to ensure that government projects and services continue without delay.
• Overtime Control: Supervising Officers must plan these schedules carefully to ensure the “Workmen” group (responsible for opening and closing buildings) does not incur additional overtime pay.
• Remote Work Stipend: A monthly allowance of MUR 500 will be paid to civil servants working from home, provided they do not already receive a government-funded internet allowance.

4. Exemptions

These new measures do not apply to the following groups, who must continue their regular duties:

• Essential services and the Disciplined Forces (Police, etc.).
• Staff already working on shift or roster systems.
• Employees within the Health and Education sectors.

Source: Defi Media