"Customized Work-Life Balance System Creates Sustainable Company"

Asia Economy and Seoul City Joint Project [Towards the Work-Life Balance 2.0 Era]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] "The CEO's strong awareness of work-life balance is expected to create a sustainably developing company."

This was the overall evaluation given by Yuri Lee, a consultant at the Seoul Foundation of Women & Family's Work-Life Balance Support Center (pictured). She comprehensively assisted in designing SNJ's work-life balance system. After receiving consulting seven times, SNJ designed and implemented a customized flexible working hours system tailored to the organization's characteristics. They were also able to establish a mid- to long-term action plan to foster a work-life balance workplace culture.

While designing the flexible working hours system, the consultant suggested that SNJ apply for the 'Employment Creation Incentive.' Among these incentives is the 'Youth Additional Employment' program, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises with five or more employees that newly hire regular employees aged 15 to 34. The company can receive up to 9 million KRW per additional youth hire annually for three years. Support is available for up to 90 employees.

The consultant also helped to explicitly include childcare-related leave and vacation policies in the company's internal regulations. Since the average age of SNJ employees is in their 30s and most are unmarried, they were not in a position to be interested in childbirth or childcare-related policies. Although employees trust that the company will actively support maternity leave and parental leave in the future, formalizing these policies was crucial. Accordingly, SNJ incorporated reduced working hours during pregnancy, pre- and postnatal leave, spouse's paternity leave, and reduced working hours during childcare periods into their employment rules.

When cost issues arose, the consultant helped find alternative solutions during the consulting process. Although SNJ manufactures medical devices, they faced a shortage of rest areas such as changing rooms. The consultant introduced information about the 'Excellent Work Environment Certification and Award,' which provides 10 million KRW through the Seoul Small Giants Company Agreement.

As a result of these efforts, SNJ obtained the Family-Friendly Certification from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. This certification is awarded to companies that have made efforts to create a family-friendly workplace culture, including support for childbirth and childcare and flexible working systems. The consultant said, "We expect progressive changes in fostering a work-life balance workplace culture going forward," and added, "Post-consulting will also be conducted starting in April."

◆ Work-Life Balance 2.0, Need Consulting?= The Seoul Work-Life Balance Support Center has been conducting on-site consulting for about 20 companies annually since 2014. Any company or institution located in Seoul interested in supporting workers' balance between work, family, and life can receive consulting. Priority is given to small and medium-sized enterprises. Professional consultants visit to resolve difficulties and connect companies with complex support programs. Recruitment for this year starts in February.