In recent news, the Civil Service Agency (CSA) of Liberia has taken a bold step to address the issue of absenteeism and non-compliance within government offices. If you’re wondering what this means and how it might affect you or someone you know, let’s break it down in simple terms.
The CSA has announced a 10% salary cut for Human Resource (HR) Directors across various government agencies. Additionally, the salaries of 68 employees from 10 different government offices have been prorated (reduced) for the month of March 2025. But why? It all comes down to two main issues:
- HR Directors Failed to Submit Attendance Reports: According to the rules (specifically Section 5.1.2 of the Standing Orders for the Civil Service), all government agencies are required to submit monthly attendance reports to the CSA by the 10th day of the following month. These reports help track employee attendance and ensure accountability. However, many HR Directors failed to meet this deadline.
- Employees Skipping Work Without Valid Reasons: The CSA also found that 68 employees from various agencies were absent from work without legitimate excuses. This kind of absenteeism not only disrupts productivity but also wastes public resources.
What Are the Consequences?
To address these issues, the CSA has implemented the following measures:
- 10% Salary Cut for HR Directors: For failing to submit attendance reports on time, HR Directors will face a 10% deduction from their March 2025 salaries. This amounts to a total savings of $6,911.66 for the government.
- Prorated Salaries for Absentee Employees: The 68 employees who were absent without valid reasons will have their March salaries reduced proportionally based on the days they missed. This move saves the government $8,802.36.
This decision isn’t just about saving money, it’s about ensuring accountability and efficiency in public service. When employees skip work or fail to follow procedures, it affects the quality of services provided to citizens. By enforcing these measures, the CSA aims to:
- Encourage HR Directors to take their responsibilities seriously.
- Deter employees from skipping work without valid reasons.
- Promote a culture of punctuality, accountability, and professionalism in the civil service.
If you’re a civil servant or know someone who is, this is a reminder to adhere to workplace rules and deadlines. For HR Directors, it’s crucial to submit attendance reports on time to avoid penalties. For employees, showing up to work consistently and providing valid excuses when absent is key to avoiding salary deductions.
If you have questions or need clarification, the CSA has encouraged everyone to reach out to the Office of the Deputy Director General for Human Resource Management and Policy.
