The "Smart Work" Era... "Cultural and Perceptual Shift Needed in Work Methods"

Seoul Digital Foundation Publishes Analysis Report on Remote Work Cases in Major Countries

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), remote work has been expanding, and an analysis has emerged emphasizing the need to understand paradigm shifts in working methods from various perspectives such as people, technology, systems, and culture, and to prepare for changes in new spaces and ways of working by utilizing digital technology.

On the 17th, the Seoul Digital Foundation introduced remote work policy trends and cases from Europe, Japan, and the United States through its report titled "Smart Work Policy Trends: Focusing on Remote Work in Major Countries."

According to the report, Europe and the United States have been implementing remote work to address social and economic issues such as low birth rates and environmental pollution. For example, Third Door in London, UK, provides a "childcare-linked shared office" service along with officially certified childcare facilities rated as "excellent" by the UK education inspection agency. Parent employees using Third Door can work independently in the same space as their children, enabling a balance between work and family life.

In the United States, savings from reduced facility and space usage fees through remote work have been reinvested in employee welfare and technological innovation, resulting in increased productivity. Tennessee conducted a remote work pilot project from 2011 to 2016 to reduce real estate facilities and office space costs. Departments participating in the project each saved about $500,000 annually, which was reinvested in employee salaries and technological innovation, significantly improving work productivity and employee satisfaction.

With the acceleration of digital transformation and the advancement of information and communication technology (ICT), remote work methods and work environments are also changing. The European Union (EU) is focusing on minimizing spatial and temporal constraints and enhancing work efficiency by applying artificial intelligence and blockchain technology.

In Japan, environments enabling employees to work remotely from various locations are being established through systems such as "satellite offices," which lease and utilize assets in suburban areas with low usability as offices, and "workation," which secures workspaces in natural tourist destinations like coastal areas and hot springs to guarantee employees' leisure during remote work.

Senior official Kang Min-jung of the Seoul Digital Foundation explained, "For innovative policies such as changes in working methods to be successfully established, cultural and perceptual shifts must occur simultaneously with the preparation of infrastructure and the overall environment," adding, "The experience of telecommuting implemented mainly by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and investment-funded institutions during the COVID-19 crisis will become a valuable asset for realizing a smart work environment in Seoul in the future."

The full report is available on the Seoul Digital Foundation website.

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