When we think about South Korea, images of bustling cities, cutting-edge technology, and long work hours often come to mind. However, in a surprising shift, South Korea is embarking on a groundbreaking trial of a four-day workweek in Gyeonggi Province. Over 50 organisations have jumped on board, allowing employees to opt for a shorter workweek every other week or reduced hours weekly. This isn't just about giving people more time off, it's about tackling deeper societal challenges that are uniquely Korean.
The Real Reason Behind This Bold Move
South Korea's work culture has been under the microscope for years, often described as intense and demanding. It’s no secret that South Korea is one of the countries with the highest average annual work hours, globally. Yet, despite the long hours, productivity gains have often lagged. This new trial is an attempt to rebalance the equation. But there's more to it than just improving productivity. The move comes at a critical time when the country is grappling with serious social issues, such as declining fertility rates and the complex choices women face between career and family.
Think about it, when you’re clocking in over 52 hours a week, finding time to nurture a family, let alone enjoy some personal downtime, becomes an impossible task. The South Korean government initially proposed extending the maximum workweek to a staggering 69 hours in late 2023. But after an outcry from younger generations about the detrimental effects on well-being, the plan was quickly shelved. Clearly, the push for a four-day workweek is a direct response to a growing awareness that the traditional work model isn’t sustainable.
A Global Trend Gaining Momentum
Korea’s move is also part of a broader global trend. The United Kingdom’s recent four-day workweek trials, which demonstrated improvements in employee well-being and job satisfaction, have inspired other countries to consider similar policies. Advocates argue that a shorter workweek reduces stress and burnout without significantly impacting productivity – a win-win. And in a country like South Korea, known for its rigid hierarchies and demanding work culture, this shift could be a game-changer.
But will a four-day workweek really make a difference? Some studies suggest that while reducing work hours may help alleviate burnout, it’s not a magic bullet for improving overall employee satisfaction. According to Gallup, the well-being of employees on a four-day workweek didn’t significantly differ from those on a five-day schedule. Other factors, like the nature of the job and the opportunity to express one’s potential, often play a more crucial role in how satisfied employees feel.
Source - https://www.statista.com/statistics/1051570/south-korea-monthly-working-hours/
So, can a shorter workweek really turn things around?
For South Korea, the four-day workweek trial is more than a productivity experiment—it’s a bid to create a more inclusive workplace. By cutting work hours, the government aims to ease the burden on women often forced to choose between their careers and starting a family. In a country notorious for its grueling work culture, this trial could be a game-changer, especially given South Korea's alarmingly low fertility rate. If successful, it could offer couples hope for a better work-life balance.
But the challenge goes deeper than just work hours. Despite generous parental leave policies like 90 days of full pay and an additional year with partial pay, many new mothers are still leaving the workforce. Shockingly, over 20% don’t stay longer than a year after returning. Even more are choosing to quit before they can even take the leave. As one expert put it, “You’re on leave, but you’re still an employee… torn between work and family.”
Will the Rest of the World Follow?
So, the question remains: Will other countries follow South Korea's lead? The answer is not straightforward and simple. Each country has its own work culture and economic challenges. However, as the global workforce becomes increasingly vocal about the need for a better work-life balance, it's likely that more nations will experiment with shorter workweeks.
Korea’s bold step could very well spark a larger movement. But will this shift bring about the balance everyone is hoping for, or is it just a drop in the ocean?
What do you think, is your company ready to make the switch to a four-day workweek?
