South Korea may shorten its work week to 35 hours in an effort to combat the nation's plummeting birth rate. A recent study by the Gyeonggi Research Institute (GRI) indicates that excessive working hours are preventing young couples from starting families. Released on Tuesday, the report underscores the need for a revised approach to work-life balance as a critical measure to reverse this demographic trend.
The GRI's 2024 poll surveyed 1,000 workers aged between 20 and 59, revealing that excessive work hours are a significant barrier to managing family responsibilities. The survey found that 26.1% of men and 24.6% of women cited long working hours as their primary obstacle. Dual-income households in their 30s particularly expressed a strong desire for reduced working hours, hoping to cut about 84 to 87 minutes from their daily schedules.
South Korea's corporate culture has long been associated with demanding work schedules, where long hours are viewed as essential for career advancement. Despite the implementation of a legal limit of 52 working hours per week in 2018, which includes 40 standard hours and 12 hours of overtime, many argue it is insufficient for achieving a healthy work-life balance conducive to family planning.
The study by GRI points to these entrenched corporate practices as a major factor contributing to the country's declining birth rate. The report calls for a cultural shift towards more reasonable working hours, emphasizing that the existing limitations do not adequately support individuals wishing to balance professional and personal commitments.
The implications of this report are significant, urging policymakers to consider legislative changes that could alleviate the pressures faced by working families. The proposal for a 35-hour work week aims to create an environment where family life can flourish alongside professional obligations.
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