Gwangju Bank Implements '10 AM Start for Childcare'... Achieving Work-Life Balance

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] Gwangju Bank (President Song Jong-wook) announced on the 2nd that it will implement the ‘10 AM Work Start System for Childcare’ for two months from the 2nd to the 30th of next month to support childcare during the elementary school enrollment period.

The ‘10 AM Work Start System for Childcare’ was initiated by President Song Jong-wook, who took office in September 2017, emphasizing a ‘happy bank for employees’ and fostering a culture of mutual consideration. This system has become a corporate culture of Gwangju Bank for the fourth year this year.

Last year, due to the spread of COVID-19, the opening of elementary, middle, and high schools was postponed to May and replaced by remote classes, resulting in an unprecedented academic schedule. This year, even with remote classes in place, it is expected that kindergartens, 1st and 2nd graders in elementary school, 3rd graders in high school, and students attending special schools will have priority for in-person classes.

Accordingly, Gwangju Bank is implementing the ‘10 AM Work Start System for Childcare’ to minimize childcare gaps during the elementary school enrollment period, which requires the most attention from parents. This year, 95 employees (89 in 2020) will use the system.

For eligible employees, the start time will be delayed to 10 AM, and although working hours will be shortened, there will be no disadvantages such as reductions in wages or promotions.

Since 2018, Gwangju Bank has actively implemented the ‘10 AM Work Start System for Parents of 1st Grade Elementary School Students.’ Until last year, this system was conducted for one month, but from this year, to support employees in achieving work-life balance, it will be extended to two months.

President Song Jong-wook of Gwangju Bank said, “Childcare is not only the responsibility of parents but also a task that the nation, companies, and society must take the lead in supporting. We actively implement the ‘10 AM Work Start System for Childcare’ every year.” He added, “We will continue to promote such welfare systems to ensure true work-life balance is well established at work and home. Furthermore, as a leading bank in Gwangju and Jeonnam, we hope that this exemplary corporate culture will be widely spread throughout the local community.”