Busan Port Authority Receives Minister of Health and Welfare Award on Population Day

Increase in Male Parental Leave Takers

A Culture Without Discrimination Against Returning Employees

Busan Port Authority (BPA, President Kang Junseok) received a commendation from the Minister of Health and Welfare at the 13th Population Day ceremony held in Seoul on the 11th, in recognition of its contribution to overcoming low birth rates and an aging population through work-life balance policies.

The United Nations designated July 11 as World Population Day every year to raise awareness of the seriousness of various population issues. In Korea, the same day is commemorated as Population Day to enhance public understanding and interest in the political, economic, and social impacts caused by population structure imbalances, and to encourage private sector participation in addressing low birth rates and aging society.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare, in celebration of Population Day, awarded individuals and organizations that contributed to overcoming low birth rates, responding to an aging society, and improving population quality. BPA was recognized for its contributions to supporting pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare.

Since its establishment, BPA has continuously operated and strengthened customized support systems for its members from the preparation for pregnancy through the childcare period, and contributed to overcoming low birth rates by fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes childcare and supports adaptation after returning to work.

Notably, in 2023, the number of male employees taking parental leave increased by 233% compared to the previous year, accounting for about half of all parental leave users.

Additionally, BPA has gradually advanced its work-life balance systems by implementing reduced working hours during pregnancy and childcare periods, granting parental leave for three years?three times the legal requirement (one year), counting 100% of parental leave as career experience, and providing early adaptation support for returning employees.

As a result, employees with parental leave experience have been promoted to the highest rank (Grade 1) within the organization, and the time required for promotion after returning from parental leave, including the leave period, has decreased by about 30% compared to the previous year, thereby realizing a truly non-discriminatory organizational culture for those who take parental leave.

Kang Junseok, President of BPA, stated, "Responding to low birth rates and an aging population is a challenge faced by all of society," and added, "As a public institution, we will actively promote the advancement of work-life balance systems and the improvement of organizational culture to fulfill our social responsibility and contribute to reversing the trend of low birth rates."

Busan Port Authority is receiving the Minister of Health and Welfare Commendation for Population Day Merit.

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