[Real Beat] Asked ChatGPT About 'Jaetaek Geunmu'... "Not Common in Korea"

"South Korea, Japan Emphasize In-Person Work"
"Both Remote and In-Person Work Have Clear Pros and Cons"

Editor's Note[Jjinbit] is a shortened form of ‘Jung Hyunjin’s Business Trend’ and ‘Real Business Trend.’ This segment showcases trends in ‘work’ such as organizational culture and HR systems that have changed since the pandemic. Based on analyses from foreign media and major overseas institutions that have not received much attention so far, we will deliver fresh and differentiated information and perspectives.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jung Hyunjin] Recently, 'ChatGPT,' which sparked the global artificial intelligence (AI) craze, identified South Korea as one of the countries with the lowest adoption of remote work worldwide. This is because face-to-face work is common, making remote work rare.

On the 30th, we asked ChatGPT about conflicts arising from the spread of remote work and hybrid work due to COVID-19, as well as the introduction of new work styles. Although we asked several questions, considering that changes in work styles have not yet been established as a definitive trend, ChatGPT often gave ambiguous answers such as "It depends on the specific situation of the organization and employees." ChatGPT seemed to primarily collect information in English, as it responded in English even when asked in Korean, and slight adjustments in Korean phrasing led to subtle differences in its answers.

◆ "Differences in Views Arise Due to Various Factors Including Productivity"

We first asked ChatGPT whether it considers remote work productive. ChatGPT replied, "As an AI language model, I do not have personal opinions or emotions," but evaluated that "the productivity of remote work depends on various factors such as the nature of the job, the level of resources provided, individual employee access, and overall company management." It added, "Several studies have confirmed that some employees are more productive when working remotely, but other studies point out decreased concentration and difficulties in creating a remote work environment."

Regarding the conflicts over remote work in the workplace, ChatGPT analyzed that differences in opinions arise from five factors: ▲ productivity ▲ communication and collaboration ▲ work-life balance (commonly called 'Wolabal' (Work and Life Balance)) ▲ organizational culture ▲ technology. Since remote work has pros and cons in each of these five aspects, evaluations inevitably vary depending on individual circumstances.

As for why employees do not want to return to the office (Return to Office, RTO), ChatGPT explained that they have secured significant flexibility through remote work and do not want to give it up, and that work-life balance has improved due to reduced commuting time. It also added that concerns about COVID-19 infection and job loss fears remain after returning to the office, that remote work is advantageous for family support and childcare, and that some employees personally feel more productive working from home.

When asked about the optimal type of hybrid work, where employees alternate between working at the office and at home, ChatGPT said, "It is important for organizations to find a hybrid work method that allows themselves and their employees to perform well and to keep the door open to adjust it as needed." It further evaluated that successful hybrid work requires preparation in seven aspects: clear communication, flexibility, technology, training, collaboration, employee feedback and regular review, and health and safety protocols.

◆ South Korea Among Countries with the Lowest Adoption of Remote Work

When asked which countries have adopted remote work the least worldwide, ChatGPT named five countries: South Korea, Japan, Germany, France, and Italy. ChatGPT emphasized that it is difficult to select due to factors such as company size and type, cultural attitudes toward work, and technological capabilities, but all five countries have a strong culture of working face-to-face. In South Korea’s case, long working hours were also mentioned, unlike the other four countries.

Regarding South Korea’s remote work culture, ChatGPT said, "A traditional office-based work culture is deeply rooted, so the spread is slower compared to other countries," but added, "However, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work, and more companies are making flexible work arrangements for employees." It continued, "Despite these changes, challenges to the spread of remote work include a lack of clear government policy support, insufficient infrastructure to support remote work, a cultural preference for face-to-face interaction, and a culture of long hours at the office."

The countries that have most widely adopted remote work globally are Sweden, Finland, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Sweden and Finland are proactive in adopting flexible work styles focusing on work-life balance, the U.S. saw a significant spread of remote work due to COVID-19, and the U.K. and Canada especially adopted this work style in the technology sector.

◆ Requesting Remote Work via Email: A Test

We asked ChatGPT to draft emails. One was a request to a supervisor for remote work, and the other was a notice from management requiring employees to return to the office. The common expression ChatGPT used was "productive." Although the requests were opposite, the shared basis of productivity was notable.

In the email requesting remote work to a supervisor, ChatGPT highlighted the advantages of remote work such as increased productivity, improved work-life balance, cost savings, and enhanced employee morale, and asked for consideration to allow remote work. ChatGPT emphasized, "I am confident that working from home can be as productive as not doing so," adding, "I have a dedicated workspace, technology, and equipment at home, will regularly check in, attend team meetings, and stay connected with colleagues to achieve team goals."

On the other hand, when asked to draft a notice from management requiring employees to return to the office, ChatGPT wrote an email titled 'Return to Office (RTO) Notice,' stating, "As the current situation improves, it is time to start returning to the office. We ask everyone to come back to maintain a productive and collaborative work environment." It added, "This decision was made for the health and safety of employees, and our office has been adjusted to allow social distancing, with enhanced cleaning and safety protocols such as mask usage."