Newsletter No. 26
JANUARY 2005
|
5-day work week changes lifestyle South Korea’s introduction of the 40 hour/5-day work week started in July 2004 after years of hard fought agitation by Korea’s trade unions. A quarter of the workforce now enjoys it (those who work for firms with more than 1,000 employees). Firms with 50 or more employees will adopt it by 2007 and all workers shall have it by 2011. South Koreans have witnessed rapid changes in their lifestyles with a 5-day week. The new-found leisure time has also generated a lot of new economic activity — in domestic and international tourism and in recreational activities. A recent survey found 88 per cent of respondents feel the new working system has brought positive changes to their lives, while 37 per cent say they can now get a good rest and 35 per cent feel revitalized. Fourteen per cent say they are spending more time with their families and 8 per cent say they are spending more time preparing for their future through other studies (Korea Times 25.10.04). |