Circular Urges Private Sector Employees to Work from Home Once a Week, with 6 Provisions

The work from home (WFH) policy once a week is also applied to private sector employees. Unlike civil servants, private sector employees’ WFH does not have to be on Fridays.

“For private workers, it is only a recommendation. When there are many day options, then when we want to align with ASN colleagues, the choice can be Friday,” said Minister of Manpower Yassierli during a press conference on Wednesday (1/4/2026).

He stated that each company has its own characteristics and needs. Therefore, the technical rules for WFH for the private sector are returned to the respective companies.

“But each company has its own unique characteristics, so the technical aspects are returned to the respective companies,” he said.

Here is the circular on WFH for private sector employees.

Content of the WFH Circular for Private Sector Employees

The WFH policy for private sector employees is regulated in the Minister of Manpower’s Circular Number M/6/HK.04/III/2026 on Work from Home and the Workplace Energy Optimisation Programme. Here are the key points to know.

1. Implement work from home (WFH) for workers/labourers for one working day in 1 (one) week according to the company’s conditions and working hours. WFH is regulated by the company, with the following provisions:

1. Wages/salaries and other rights remain paid as per regulations;

2. Implementation of WFH does not reduce annual leave;

3. For workers/labourers carrying out WFH, they still perform work according to their duties and obligations;

4. The company still ensures performance, productivity, and service quality remain maintained;

5. Implementation of WFH may be exempted for certain sectors such as:

• Health sector (hospitals, clinics, medical personnel, and pharmaceuticals),

• Energy sector (oil and gas fuel, gas, and electricity),

• Infrastructure sector and public services (toll roads, clean water, and waste transportation),

• Retail/trade sector (staple goods, direct trade services, markets, and shopping areas),

• Industry and production sector (factories and industries requiring physical presence for machine operations and production),

• Services sector (hospitality, tourism, security, and hospitality),

• Food and beverage sector (restaurants, cafes, and culinary businesses),

• Transportation and logistics sector (passenger transport, goods transport, warehousing, and delivery services),

• Financial sector (banking, non-bank financial institutions, insurance, capital markets, and stock exchanges).

6. The technical implementation of WFH is regulated by each company.

2. Implement the Workplace Energy Optimisation Programme, including:

1. Utilisation of more energy-efficient technology and work equipment;

2. Strengthening the culture of wise use of electricity, oil and gas fuel, and other energy sources; and

3. Control and monitoring of electricity consumption, oil and gas fuel, and other energy through measurable operational policies.