Savings banks seek to improve employee welfare... Work environment is changing

As part of the Art Sharing program implemented by JT Savings Bank, artworks exhibited at the headquarters
Photo by JT Savings Bank

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] The working environment in the savings bank sector is changing. Some places are hanging artworks in offices and setting up employee-only cafes. Flexible working hours systems that allow employees to decide their commuting times autonomously are also being introduced. Analysts say that even in the conservative financial industry, a "life with evenings" has begun.

According to the industry on the 1st, JT Savings Bank is implementing a PC-OFF system where work computers shut down at 6 p.m. to match the end of the workday. They are proactively conducting flexible working hours to create efficient working time. In addition to statutory leave, they provide 3 days of self-development leave and offer various educational programs free of charge. For the past two years, they have been exhibiting artworks at the headquarters through the social contribution program "Art Sharing."

SBI Savings Bank designates every Wednesday as "Family Day" to encourage employees to return home early. They provide family-friendly programs, support the use of company condo and resort vacation facilities, and cover costs for employees who wish to pursue self-development.

From COVID-19 to childbirth and childcare welfare... "It will continue to change"

Pepper Savings Bank is actively practicing family protection welfare policies. A representative example is the "Family Love Leave," which grants 5 days of paid leave when a family member is ill. They also cover health checkup costs for employees and their families, as well as expenses for skincare and fitness facilities.

There have also been cultural changes due to COVID-19 prevention. JT Savings Bank quickly adopted remote work within the industry. SBI Savings Bank adjusted commuting hours to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to minimize contact infections among employees. Welcome Savings Bank implemented a rotational separation work system using remote work and branch offices to reduce employee density at headquarters.

Some have strengthened welfare related to childbirth and childcare. Welcome Savings Bank provides 3 days of leave annually for employees struggling with infertility. JT Chin-Ae Savings Bank unusually encourages male employees to take parental leave actively. Pepper Savings Bank gives employees who have children a "Baby Love Support Fund" of 2 million KRW annually for 5 years.

An industry insider from the savings bank sector said, "Family-friendly corporate culture has begun to take root in the savings bank industry over the past few years," and added, "In line with changing times, efforts to develop welfare policies and improve working environments for employees will increase in the future."

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