Seoul, September 2: In a bid to address its intense work culture and improve employee well-being, South Korea has initiated a four-day workweek trial in Gyeonggi Province. The trial, which involves around 50 organisations, offers employees the option of either a shorter workweek every two weeks or reduced working hours each week. This move is part of a broader effort to combat the country’s notorious overwork culture, which has long been linked to high stress, burnout, and a declining population.
South Korea ranks among the countries with the highest average annual work hours globally, a factor contributing to widespread burnout and a stressed workforce. In late 2023, the government proposed extending the maximum workweek to 69 hours, but the proposal was met with significant backlash, particularly from younger workers concerned about its impact on work-life balance and well-being. The outcry led to the proposal’s withdrawal and a reassessment of the country’s labour policies. Japan Wants Its Hardworking Citizens To Try 4-Day Workweek; 8% of Companies Allow Employees To Take Three or More Days Off per Week.
The introduction of the four-day workweek is seen as a potential remedy to these issues. Advocates argue that reducing work hours could mitigate stress and burnout without sacrificing productivity. Additionally, this initiative is viewed as a crucial step toward addressing some of South Korea’s pressing societal challenges, such as declining fertility rates and a shrinking population. The demanding work culture has forced many women to choose between career and family, exacerbating these demographic problems. Is Three-Day Weekend the Future of Work, Following the Success of the Four-Day Workweek?
Media reports highlighted that one of the key goals behind the trial is to give couples more time together, which could help improve fertility rates. While the trial is still in its early stages, it could serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar issues. The global movement toward a reduced workweek will closely monitor the outcomes of this experiment to assess its impact on employee well-being, productivity, and societal challenges.
(The above story first appeared on Today News 24 on Sep 02, 2024 11:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website todaynews24.top).
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