According to the Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants (ACHPS), the increasing expectation for civil servants to do extra hours outside their contractual obligations is fostering an unsustainable work scenario. Recent survey results from the ACHPS’s members showed that a third work beyond their required hours, with 30% of these respondents working at least an additional eight hours each week.
Additionally, nearly a third of members’report the work demands are becoming unmanageable. Understaffing and blurred boundaries on hybrid working are causing problems, according to 40% and over a quarter of participants respectively.
Ciaran Rohan, the general secretary of ACHPS, pointed out that the mounting pressure on workers to go the extra mile is breeding an unstable workspace. He highlighted a troubling narrative that labels employees who finish their tasks within work hours and leave punctually as “quiet quitters”.
The issues raised prompted multiple motions for the forthcoming ACHPS annual conference in Dublin. They include asking for a clear definition of the “right to disconnect” and arrangements on suitable “on-call” allowances.
However, Mr. Rohan expressed disappointment at the reluctance of departments to engage properly with personnel representatives, resulting in an obstacle to address these issues. He called for a resurgence of genuine dialogue and consultation.
The conference will also discuss other motions, including initiatives to foster diversity among civil servants, the situation of unmarried partners of staff in specific countries on diplomatic duties, and pension-related matters.