South Korea is proposing a 69-hour work week

As we continue to navigate the new normal of remote work, South Korea is proposing a radical change to their work policies that caught my attention. The country’s government is planning to reduce the maximum workweek from 68 hours to 52 hours, giving hardworking South Koreans a well-deserved break. However, companies can choose to allow their employees to work up to 54 hours by paying them extra, which means a total of 69 hours is still possible under certain circumstances.

The amendments in the labor law will apply to companies with more than 300 employees while smaller companies will have the option to implement it voluntarily. The 52-hour limit is expected to improve the work-life balance, help reduce work-related stress, and improve productivity. South Korea’s average workweek is 44 hours, and some employees have reported working over 100 hours a week.

Despite concerns from businesses that the new policy may hurt competitiveness, South Korean officials are determined to focus on both employees’ welfare and economic growth, aiming for a “society that values leisure and culture.”

As someone who has experienced burnout from overworking in the past, I believe that a well-rounded work-life balance is essential for overall well-being. Although this new policy may have its drawbacks, such as higher labor costs for companies, it’s a step towards prioritizing the health and happiness of hardworking citizens.

In conclusion, South Korea’s proposal to limit the workweek to 52 hours, while offering flexibility for some companies, is a promising change for employees, and a positive step towards a healthy work-life balance.