The Public Service Commission has declared a temporary closure of all non-essential government offices for the holiday season, effective from December 29, 2025, to January 2, 2026. This initiative is designed to enhance the wellbeing of public employees while ensuring that essential services remain functional during this period.
Pita Tagicakirewa, the Acting Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, announced the annual closure in a circular addressed to various ministries and departments. He assured that critical services would continue uninterrupted, stating, “All essential services are to remain fully operational, with appropriate staffing arrangements in place to ensure continuity of critical public services.”
To facilitate this closure, Permanent Secretaries are encouraged to motivate their employees to use their annual leave or Time-Off-In-Lieu entitlements. Tagicakirewa emphasized that ministries will have the flexibility to evaluate their staffing needs during this period, reminding them that they have the discretion to decide if skeleton staff are necessary to maintain specific services and to implement suitable staffing rosters as needed.
The importance of this shutdown has been underscored by Tagicakirewa, who remarked on the challenging year faced by public servants. He highlighted that this break will afford employees the opportunity to rest and spend quality time with their families, which can significantly boost their overall wellbeing and morale. Normal operations are slated to resume on January 3, 2026, giving employees a chance to return refreshed.
This move underscores an increasing recognition of the importance of work-life balance, particularly within the public service sector. By promoting a healthier work environment, this initiative acknowledges and values the contributions of public staff, paving the way for a more engaged and productive workforce in the coming year.