Government: "77.8% of Workers Rate the 52-Hour Workweek Positively... Gradual Stabilization"

Ministry of Employment and Labor Announces Results of Survey of 1,300 Citizens

On the 6th, office workers wearing masks are seen using the train at Sindorim Station in Guro-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The government announced on the 28th that 77.8% of Korean workers "positively evaluate the 52-hour workweek system." This is based on a survey of 1,300 citizens.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor disclosed the results of the 'Public Perception Survey on the 52-hour Workweek System,' conducted by an external professional agency, on the same day. The survey was conducted from the 26th to the 30th of last month using computer-assisted telephone interviews targeting 1,300 citizens nationwide aged 19 to 79. The sampling error is ±2.72 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

Regarding the 52-hour workweek system, 90.8% of the public responded that they 'are aware' of it, and 71.0% evaluated the implementation of this system as a 'good decision.' In particular, among workers, 77.8% answered that it was a 'good decision.' Concerning whether the 52-hour workweek system is being properly observed at their current workplace, 88.0% of workers stated that it is 'strictly observed' or 'somewhat observed.'

55.8% of the public perceive Korean workers as 'working a lot.' Especially among those aged 19 to 29, this response rate was 71.2%, more than twice that of those aged 60 to 79 (34.0%). The main reason workers cited for working a lot was 'because there is a lot of work' at 46.4%, followed by 'for adequate income' (27.8%), 'inefficient work processes' (20.1%), and 'for personal achievement and satisfaction' (3.6%).

70.3% of the public said they would 'leave work on time to enjoy leisure,' which is much higher than the 28.7% who said they would 'work overtime to earn more wages.' Among workers, the response rates were 76.1% and 23.5%, respectively, indicating a particular emphasis on work-life balance.

Regarding the quality of life of workers due to the 52-hour workweek system, 55.9% said 'there is no significant difference compared to before,' followed by 33.2% who said it 'improved,' and 8.3% who said it 'worsened.' Regarding wages, 74.1% said 'there is little change,' followed by 20.4% who said 'it decreased,' and 5.1% who said 'it increased.'

Employment Minister An Kyung-duk stated, "The results of this survey show that the public perceives the 52-hour workweek system positively," and evaluated that "the system is gradually settling in." He added, "However, since some companies may still be experiencing difficulties, we will continue to promote administrative and financial support."

The 52-hour workweek system has been implemented in stages since July 2018, depending on the size of the company. Although the system was introduced to reduce Korea's working hours, which were among the highest in the OECD, many employers and workers have experienced growing pains.

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