"No End in Sight: Prolonged Extensions of Remote Work in the ICT Industry"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the government has once again extended the social distancing level 2 measures, and the telecommunications and IT industries are continuing remote work with no clear end in sight. The remote work initiated last month by the three major telecom companies, starting with SK Telecom, is approaching nearly a month.

According to the industry on the 7th, SK Telecom and KT have extended company-wide remote work until the 13th and have urged employees to minimize outings and face-to-face activities. LG Uplus has decided to extend its rotational remote work system until the 13th, dividing each organizational team into two groups to avoid overlapping routes and alternating attendance.

Although the recent spread of COVID-19 cluster infections in the metropolitan area has begun to show signs of calming down, it is still considered too early to return to normal work operations.

Previously, the quarantine authorities extended social distancing level 2.5 in the metropolitan area until the 13th and also extended the nationwide social distancing level 2, currently in effect, by two weeks until the 20th. An industry insider said, "Extensions keep continuing," adding, "During the first major outbreak, remote work was lifted the latest among all industries, so this time as well, there is an atmosphere where no one knows when remote work will end."

SK Telecom re-implemented remote work on the 18th of last month as COVID-19 cases surged due to cluster infections at the Sarang Jeil Church in Seoul. Since then, remote work has been extended weekly. KT, which experienced additional confirmed cases at its Seoul Dongjak and Seodaemun branches as well as its Gwanghwamun headquarters, initially limited remote work to certain areas but has since expanded it company-wide, urging all employees to comply with daily quarantine rules and raising alert levels.

Naver, Kakao, and others have also been extending remote work weekly without specifying an end date. The gaming industry, including Nexon and Kakao Games, is in the same situation. NHN, Neowiz, Webzen, Wemade, and Line Games have extended remote work until the 11th. NCSoft is switching from company-wide remote work to rotational remote work with half the staff attending from today.

In the ICT industry, unlike manufacturing, there are relatively few essential on-site workers, and the work environment for remote work is relatively well established. An industry insider said, "Unlike manufacturing factories, there are fewer commuting and shift workers, so the impact on work due to the extension of remote work is relatively small."