Gwangju Seo-gu Promotes Work Environment Innovation Including Flexible Work System Activation

Published 19 Sep.2022 15:24(KST)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Shin Dong-ho] Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City (Mayor Kim Yi-gang) announced on the 19th that it will actively promote work-life balance and the creation of a flexible and efficient organizational culture in line with the launch of the 8th term of the elected government this month.

As the first project to improve working conditions, Seo-gu will revitalize the existing ‘Flexible Working System’ to promote work-life balance and a life with rest for employees.

The flexible working system was introduced in public institutions over 10 years ago, but actual participation was low due to entrenched overtime culture and employees being cautious of their superiors.

Accordingly, Seo-gu plans to set department-specific monthly targets for flexible working usage (at least 20% per month, increasing annually) and encourage civil servants at grade 6 or higher to participate at least once a week to expand the system.

In addition, employees suitable for flexible working, such as pregnant women and those with young children, will be selected and encouraged to participate.

Secondly, the ‘Focused Working Hours System’ to improve work efficiency will be implemented for the first time.

The ‘Focused Working Hours System’ designates the period from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, when work concentration is high, as focused working hours, during which meetings, events, reporting, visits to other departments, and other activities that hinder work progress will be refrained from.

To promote the system, official notices will be sent from each department and periodic announcements will be broadcast.

One day a week, Wednesday, will be designated as ‘Family Love Day’ with the intention of leaving work on time to spend time with family. Around quitting time, related content will be broadcast to spread the atmosphere that every Wednesday is a day to be with family.

Seo-gu also plans to continuously implement various support measures such as employee capacity-building training, public official healing workshops, domestic cultural explorations, workplace clubs, and sports events to help employees work enthusiastically.

A Seo-gu official said, “Through the activation of the flexible working system, the operation of the focused working hours system, and Family Love Day, which are promoted as part of work innovation, we will create a lively and productive public service atmosphere and enhance organizational competitiveness.”