Prolonged High Oil Prices: Government Discusses Energy-Saving Measures Including Flexible Work in Private Sector

In response to the prolonged period of high oil prices, the government has stepped up support for flexible work arrangements in an effort to expand energy-saving initiatives to the private sector. By encouraging companies to adopt flexible work practices such as staggered commuting hours and remote work, the government aims to simultaneously alleviate traffic congestion and reduce energy consumption.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Metropolitan Transport Commission of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport held a corporate roundtable on April 24, 2026, at the Seoul Employment and Labor Office to discuss measures to promote flexible work and public-private cooperation in response to high oil prices. The meeting was attended by Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Younghoon, Metropolitan Transport Commission Chairman Kim Yongseok, and representatives from six companies recognized as “2025 Korea Work-Life Balance Best Companies” with high utilization rates of flexible work.

Amid rising oil prices caused by growing instability in the Middle East, companies are facing increased cost burdens, which has led to a growing trend of dispersing commuting hours and expanding remote work. Flexible work arrangements are attracting attention as a practical response, as they can reduce traffic volume and energy use while also helping companies cut costs.

As the Middle East war prolongs, the public institutions' vehicle usage restriction system has been strengthened from the current odd-even system to a 'two-shift system.' On April 8, 2026, a signboard indicating the application of the two-shift system for passenger cars was installed at the main gate of the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

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However, small and medium-sized enterprises are facing difficulties introducing flexible work due to constraints in workforce management, the costs of establishing necessary systems, and security concerns. To address this, the government is lowering initial costs through financial incentives and providing support for the installation and usage fees of commuting management and information security systems. For companies with limited experience operating such arrangements, the government also offers manuals and links to consulting services.

In addition, a new “10 a.m. Start for Working Parents” policy was introduced this year, which allows employees with young children to reduce their daily work hours by one hour without any pay reduction. To further increase the utilization of this policy, the government is planning to abolish the six-month minimum length of service requirement and to relax the obligation to submit work rules and human resources regulations to a non-mandatory, recommended level.

Minister Kim stated, “As technological, demographic, and climate changes are occurring simultaneously, transforming the way we work is essential. We will strengthen practical support so that companies can actively participate in this change through flexible work arrangements.”

Chairman Kim added, “We are currently implementing the 'Everyone’s Card' policy, which provides incentives for commuting during off-peak hours. I encourage companies to combine this with flexible work arrangements to maximize its benefits.” He continued, “A cross-ministerial task force is preparing measures to relieve congestion on public transportation, including the expansion of flexible work, and we plan to announce them soon.”

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