The four-day week is an increasingly studied proposition even in South Korea. The country is however known for having one of the most intense work rhythms in the world with 52 hours of work per week. The South Korean government is today beginning discussions with social partners to study this hypothesis.
2 mins
With our correspondent in Seoul, Celio Fioretti
A year ago, the South Korean government wanted to increase the work week to 62 hours, from now on, he wants to reduce it to four days. In this country which works on average 150 hours more per year than other OECD countries, the four-day week seems to be a distant dream.
Better work flexibility
However, faced with the fall in the birth rate, the South Korean government is considering greater work flexibility. The idea is to create a better balance between private and professional life to encourage births. An idea that particularly appeals to young people like Yeong-min.
“ It’s a good thing, working too much is not productive, and then we can spend more time with family “, affirms the young woman. For others like Hyojin, a human resources employee, the important thing is to reduce the working hours, not the number of days. “ It’s a good idea, but above all we have to reduce the working hours, doing 52 hours in four days, it’s even more tiring. I prefer to work five days and do 35 hours like in France “.
Work as much but over a shorter period
Indeed, in most companies that have taken the plunge, a four-day week is only possible if you work 52 hours per week. In other words, work as much, over a shorter period of time. South Korea is definitely not yet resolved to work less.
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