Seoul, South Korea – In recent months, Go Kyoung-min, a 34-year-old nurse at Severance Hospital, has discovered a renewed sense of balance in her professional and personal life through the adoption of a four-day workweek. As the mother of twin daughters born in 2021, Go often grappled with the guilt of insufficient time spent with her children due to the demands of her job. However, her participation in a pioneering program at the hospital has enabled her to engage more fully in family life and attend daycare events she previously missed.
Severance Hospital, a leader in healthcare innovation, is making strides by being the first in South Korea to implement a four-day workweek. Launched in 2023 as a collaborative effort between labor and management, the initiative allows selected employees to take three days off per week with a 10 percent reduction in their salaries. Participants rotate through this six-month program before reverting to a traditional five-day schedule.
According to a report from the Korea Worker Institute-Union Center, this innovative work arrangement has positively impacted both the wellbeing of nurses and the quality of medical services provided. Notably, turnover rates among nurses with less than three years’ experience dropped significantly, from 19.5 percent to 7 percent, during the trial period. Moreover, average sick leave decreased, allowing for enhanced overall workplace health.
Go has expressed that this new work schedule has not only improved her work-life balance but also positively influenced her focus and compassion in caring for patients, especially in her emotionally demanding role in the pancreatobiliary ward. “I find that I can dedicate more time to listening to my patients, which enhances their care,” she noted.
This shift towards reduced working hours comes against the backdrop of South Korea’s notorious work culture, characterized by long hours and a prevailing belief that staying late signifies dedication. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), South Korean workers logged an average of 1,865 hours in 2024, ranking among the highest in developed countries.
While traditional long workdays persist, a growing number of companies, particularly in tech and startups, are beginning to explore more flexible work arrangements. Major conglomerates like Samsung Electronics and Kakao have introduced programs that provide employees with more time off, signaling a cultural shift in the workplace.
The reform movement gained further momentum following the election of President Lee Jae-myung, who pledged to reduce working hours and promote a four-and-a-half-day workweek. Acknowledging the necessity of addressing long hours, President Lee emphasized the unsustainability of a work culture focused on quantity over quality.
While there is enthusiasm for these changes, challenges remain. Concerns about the financial implications of shifting to a four-day workweek have been expressed, particularly regarding meeting operational needs and maintaining competitiveness in a global market. Experts, including Kwon Young-sik, the director of human resources at Yonsei University Health System, caution that any permanent transition would require substantial investment to support labor costs.
Nevertheless, employees like Go and her colleagues see the promise of a more balanced life and improved job satisfaction as essential components of a healthier working environment. “This pilot program has shown that a shorter workweek can run smoothly without operational hitches,” Go stated, reflecting a hopeful outlook for the future of work in South Korea.
As the country navigates this evolving landscape, many anticipate that the four-day workweek will lead to positive changes in society at large, paving the way for enhanced quality of life for workers across the nation.
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