Coupang "Reducing Work Intensity Through Large-Scale Additional Hiring and Automation Equipment Investment"

Last Year Alone, Nationwide Logistics Center Workforce Increased by 12,484 People, a 78% Rise

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Cheol-hyun] Coupang announced on the 20th that it is creating a differentiated working environment based on large-scale additional hiring, investment in technology and automation facilities, and 100% direct employment of logistics center workers in Korea. This is a rebuttal to claims that the increased volume has intensified the workload of Coupang logistics center employees.

According to Coupang, the logistics centers hired an additional 12,484 personnel from January to December last year, increasing the workforce by 78% annually. As of the end of last month, 28,451 people are working. Coupang explained that this increase in personnel, combined with technological investment and innovation, has reduced the individual workload.

Coupang elaborated that it was able to reduce work intensity through the introduction of automated packaging systems and automatic sorters, expansion of conveyor belts, and optimization of work routes using AI. During the past year, 500 billion KRW was invested in such technology. Also, all temporary employees are offered permanent positions more than three times a month, with about 80% of applicants being accepted as permanent employees, and UPH (units per hour) is not included in the hiring criteria.

A Coupang official stated, "Unlike other logistics centers that outsource work to subcontractors, Coupang directly employs 100% of logistics workers in its nationwide logistics centers," adding, "We provide the four major social insurances, a 52-hour workweek over five days, weekly holiday pay and severance pay, free shuttle buses, free meals, and various other solid welfare benefits."

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