Fear of Novel Coronavirus Infection... Changing Workplace Landscape

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyewon] The area around Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi Province, where an affiliate of Samsung Group is located, was recently thrown into turmoil. This was due to an employee who voluntarily reported having been in contact with a confirmed patient of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia). Although relief came after testing negative, the company thoroughly disinfected the building and urged all employees to wear masks at all times during work. The daycare center for employees' children in the building was also closed for a week. The HR team issued a directive to refrain from gatherings, allowing 'Doran' (department dinners) with a maximum of four people per table and banning alcohol consumption. Samsung Electronics also moved department dinners scheduled for this month to next month and decided to carry over and reimburse related expenses within the company.

According to the business community on the 4th, as the novel coronavirus situation spreads uncontrollably, domestic companies are raising their 'virus alert' levels to protect their employees. They frequently announce behavioral guidelines through internal bulletin boards and broadcasts, and basic measures include disinfecting office buildings and workplaces and installing thermal imaging cameras at entrances. Many events and training sessions involving large groups are being canceled one after another. Business trips to all parts of China have effectively come to a halt, and some companies are even postponing overseas business trips altogether.

Hyundai Kia Motors recently reached an agreement through urgent labor-management discussions on the novel coronavirus countermeasures, including installing thermal imaging cameras at all workplace entrances and cafeterias, operating observers, providing training, distributing masks, hand sanitizers, and thermometers, temporarily suspending education and workshops, and recommending refraining from visits by external guests. Employees returning from China are required to self-quarantine for at least two weeks and refrain from external activities and regional travel (including vacations). In case of a confirmed diagnosis, the department head must notify the emergency response comprehensive situation room.

For Korean and Chinese employees stationed overseas, LS Group procured masks and protective suits and sent them to its branches and factories in China. Hyundai Rotem issued guidelines not only banning business trips to China but also urging the postponement of overseas trips as much as possible.

LG Group postponed the joint training for new employees of its affiliates, which was scheduled to be held at LG Inhwa-won in Icheon-si, Gyeonggi Province, starting early this month. Hyosung canceled the musical group viewing event 'Hyosung Culture Night' planned for the 5th.

Regional chambers of commerce, including the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have indefinitely postponed or canceled major schedules this month. The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry postponed the 'Labor Judgment and Response Strategy Briefing' scheduled for the 11th, and the Jeju Chamber of Commerce postponed the residents' debate until after the general election. The Daegu Chamber of Commerce began identifying companies related to China affected by the novel coronavirus, and the Changwon Chamber of Commerce, where many manufacturers are concentrated, also took support measures such as recommending the Ministry of Employment and Labor to proactively allow special extended work hours only for companies that reported supply disruptions of parts and raw materials from China.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.