Security Guard Restrooms, Air Conditioning Provided, and Child Tuition Support Offered by Service Company

Asia Economy and Seoul City Joint Project [Work-Life Balance 2.0 Era]
Work-Life Balance Strong Small Business - Workforce Outsourcing Company 'OK System'

Intangible Labor Service Provider
Good Service Requires Employee Satisfaction

Received Consulting for the First Time This Year to Improve Company Trust and Job Competence

On May 24th last year, about 20 employees of OK System held a two-day, one-night workshop in Gangchon. They discussed difficulties and improvement plans on site, and relieved stress by playing physical games. (Provided by OK System)

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] Choi Hee-seok, a security guard at an apartment complex who suffered from residents' abusive behavior and assault, has passed away. Choi endured multiple verbal abuses over a fortnight. Due to inadequate separation measures from the offending residents, he continued working under extreme stress, never knowing when or where he might be victimized. The newly coined terms 'temporary contract elderly guard (Im Gye-jang)' and 'easy to select, easy to handle, easy to fire (Go-da-ja)' reflect their sad plight. They are non-regular workers at the companies of the powerful. However, at the outsourcing firms that dispatch them, they are regular employees. There is an outsourcing company that establishes employment rules and even manages severance pay for the 'Eul'?those responsible for security and cleaning services. That company is OK System, located in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

Founded in 2001, OK System primarily handles manpower outsourcing such as security services and facility management. This year, it received consulting from the Seoul City Work-Life Balance Support Center for the first time. They are currently revising existing systems and planning what work-life balance policies are needed going forward. The company applied for consulting to enhance corporate competitiveness by reducing turnover rates and improving workers' trust in the company and job performance. Since it is a service company providing intangible labor rather than a manufacturing-based industry, they believe that worker satisfaction leads to better service and higher satisfaction among contracted companies.

Although an outsourcing company, OK System politely refuses to work with companies that propose unfair treatment. For example, when a company requests elderly workers but offers low wages. Director Noh Jae-eun said, "It is difficult to maintain long-term relationships with such companies and to control the workers, so we do not accept such contracts," adding, "In the long run, the company's image must also be considered."

When Taking More Than One Day Off, Company Dispatches Replacement Workers
Shift Work Among Employees Is Routine

Health Management Includes Hearing and Dementia Tests
Quarterly 100,000 KRW Education Support for Children

The company established a retirement pension system even before it became mandatory. Given the high proportion of elderly workers, they individually support retirement pensions. The company has 227 employees, with 80% aged between 50 and 70, and 20% in their 30s and 40s. After working for one year, each employee receives a pension account in their name.

If a worker needs to take more than one day off at the site, the headquarters pays the cost and dispatches a substitute. This aspect is also discussed when contracting with clients. For cases where workers need to take about two hours off per day as half-day leave, the decision is made by mutual agreement among the workers. Go Young-hee (55), who manages a multi-family housing office in Cheonan, Chungnam Province, said, "Work locations are assigned according to employees' residences, which is convenient. Since I am raising children, sometimes I need to take time off during work, but shift work substitution among employees is routine." Ms. Go, who has worked at the company for four years, received a commendation for three years of service and a one-don (3.75 grams) pure gold business card holder. She also receives 100,000 KRW quarterly for her school-age children's education expenses. Additionally, the company has established systems to support workers' health, including hearing tests (for tinnitus and hearing loss), dementia tests, free dental scaling, and skin care at traditional Korean medicine hospitals.

Employees with 3, 5, and 10 years of long-term service receive a certificate of commendation along with 1 don, 2 don, and 3 don of pure gold business cards, respectively. (Provided by OK System)

One of the important tasks at OK System headquarters is on-site training. Headquarters staff personally visit sites to provide safety education for security guards, sexual harassment prevention training, and explanations of security service laws. Face-to-face interactions allow them to understand specific concerns at the sites and quickly resolve issues when they arise. Manager Moon Shin-ho said, "We thoroughly check everything from air conditioner installation to restroom accessibility," adding, "Recently, due to the COVID-19 situation, we emphasize avoiding any physical contact, including in parcel management."

The establishment of these systems was largely driven by CEO Lim Chi-sung's determination. The retirement pension system is a prime example. CEO Lim said, "I have seen many companies that faced difficulties after setting aside severance pay separately and engaging in businesses other than outsourcing." After joining the company in 2002, he was promoted internally and has served as CEO since 2009. He is visually impaired with a level 6 disability due to blindness in his left eye. Although he does not face daily inconveniences, he has lived with numerous subtle discriminations and discomforts. He said, "I am not special; our generation (class of '88) was very interested in democratization and had to consider many social issues," adding, "There was a prevailing atmosphere of caring for and paying attention to socially vulnerable groups, which had a significant influence." CEO Lim added, "Our company’s asset is its people, and workers must feel satisfied at work to gain competitiveness," emphasizing, "If we become a company that cares for socially vulnerable groups and satisfies employees, we can definitely win bids against large corporations."