Grant of Wellness Leave refers to the policy allowing eligible DepEd personnel to take paid leave for mental and physical well-being. This policy supports employee health by providing up to five (5) days of wellness leave per calendar year.
The Grant of Wellness Leave is separate from vacation leave and sick leave. It is intended to promote work-life balance, reduce stress, and maintain productivity among personnel.
This article explains the purpose, coverage, eligibility, rules, and important guidelines related to the Grant of Wellness Leave.
Purpose of the Grant of Wellness Leave
The main purpose of the Grant of Wellness Leave is to protect the well-being of DepEd personnel. The policy recognizes that mental and physical health are essential for effective work performance.
Specific objectives include:
- Supporting mental health and emotional stability
- Preventing burnout and stress-related conditions
- Encouraging responsible self-care
- Improving overall workplace productivity
- Promoting a healthy work environment
Providing time for rest and recovery helps ensure that personnel can continue to perform their duties efficiently.
Coverage of the Grant of Wellness Leave
The Grant of Wellness Leave applies to qualified DepEd personnel, including:
1. Teaching Personnel
- Public school teachers
- Master teachers
- Head teachers
- School principals and assistant principals
2. Non-Teaching Personnel
- Administrative staff
- Office personnel
- Support staff
3. Related-Teaching Personnel
- Guidance counselors
- Librarians
- School nurses
4. Contract of Service (COS) Personnel
- Individuals directly contracted by DepEd
5. Job Order (JO) Personnel
- Personnel under Job Order arrangements directly engaged by DepEd
Personnel hired through third-party agencies or those funded by local government units may be subject to separate policies.
Number of Leave Days Allowed
Under the Grant of Wellness Leave:
- Eligible personnel may take up to five (5) days per calendar year.
- Leave may be taken consecutively, up to three days at a time.
- Leave may also be taken on separate days within the year.
Important conditions:
- The leave is with pay.
- It is non-cumulative.
- Unused days cannot be carried over to the next year.
- The leave cannot be converted to cash.
Valid Reasons for Availing Wellness Leave
The Grant of Wellness Leave may be used for the following purposes:
- Mental health rest
- Stress recovery
- Emotional well-being
- Physical wellness activities
- Personal self-care
This leave does not require a medical certificate unless specified by internal guidelines. However, approval remains subject to office procedures and staffing requirements.
Application Process for Wellness Leave
Personnel who wish to avail of the Grant of Wellness Leave must follow established procedures:
- Submit a leave application form.
- Indicate that the request is for Wellness Leave.
- Obtain approval from the immediate supervisor.
- Ensure proper documentation and recording by the administrative office.
Approval may depend on workload and office needs to ensure that operations are not disrupted.
Differences Between Wellness Leave and Other Leave Types
The Grant of Wellness Leave is different from other leave credits:
Vacation Leave
- Used for personal activities or travel.
- Accumulated based on service.
Sick Leave
- Used for illness or medical conditions.
- May require medical documentation.
Wellness Leave
- Focused on mental and physical well-being.
- Limited to five days per year.
- Non-cumulative.
Understanding these differences helps personnel use their leave credits properly.
Importance of Wellness Leave in the Workplace
The Grant of Wellness Leave supports long-term employee health. Providing structured time for recovery can:
- Reduce absenteeism
- Improve morale
- Enhance focus and productivity
- Promote healthier work habits
Organizations that support employee well-being often experience improved work performance and reduced burnout.
Implementation and Monitoring
School heads and office supervisors are responsible for:
- Informing personnel about the Grant of Wellness Leave
- Ensuring fair and proper application
- Monitoring leave usage
- Maintaining accurate records
Proper implementation ensures that the policy benefits both personnel and the institution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many days are allowed under the Grant of Wellness Leave?
Eligible personnel may take up to five (5) days per calendar year.
Is the Grant of Wellness Leave paid?
Yes, it is granted with pay.
Can unused Wellness Leave be carried over?
No. It is non-cumulative and unused days are forfeited at year-end.
Can Wellness Leave be converted to cash?
No. It cannot be monetized.
Who can apply for the Grant of Wellness Leave?
Eligible teaching, non-teaching, related-teaching, COS, and JO personnel directly engaged by DepEd.
Is a medical certificate required?
Generally, it is not required unless specified by internal office policies.
Can the leave be taken consecutively?
Yes, up to three consecutive days at a time.
The Grant of Wellness Leave provides structured support for the mental and physical health of DepEd personnel. By allowing up to five paid leave days per year, the policy promotes employee well-being and work efficiency.
Understanding the guidelines, coverage, and proper procedures ensures correct and responsible use of this benefit.
Personnel are encouraged to follow official DepEd issuances and consult their administrative office for specific implementation details.
