Parental Leave Replacements Also Hired as Regular Employees... Recruited 3 Months in Advance [K Ingu Jeonryak]

(40) Atlas Copco Korea Corporation
No Issues with Work Handover
Replacement Also Hired
Joint Annual Leave System Allows 5 Days Off Together per Year

Editor's NoteThe key to solving South Korea's population problem lies within companies. A workplace atmosphere that evaluates employees based on their work regardless of gender, along with a family-friendly culture, is crucial to addressing the K-population issue. While low birth rates are influenced by multiple complex factors, it is important to ensure that workplace burdens do not become obstacles that make people hesitate to have children. Asia Economy visited companies leading family-friendly policies to identify the factors that helped these systems settle stably, and plans to explore various approaches with companies that lack practical conditions. Through this, we aim to encourage change starting from companies and analyze the government's role in making this possible. We listen to voices emphasizing that company culture and atmosphere that reduce psychological burdens are more critical than financial support, and present alternatives from diverse perspectives.

Lee Gippeum (36, female), a deputy general manager working in the industrial technology business division at Atlas Copco Korea, took parental leave for 1 year and 5 months immediately after giving birth in 2016. When Deputy General Manager Lee announced her intention to take parental leave, the company hired a replacement three months before the leave began. She said, "Not only me, but when other employees also take parental leave, the company usually hires replacements in advance," adding, "Most routine tasks are handled by the replacement, and for difficult or tasks requiring more authority, the team leader or manager assists in managing the work." Three months was sufficient time for Deputy General Manager Lee to hand over her duties.

The employee who worked as Deputy General Manager Lee’s replacement at the time was recognized for their work ability and became a regular full-time employee. Currently, that employee is on parental leave. Deputy General Manager Lee said, "There is absolutely no atmosphere within the company that opposes or feels uncomfortable about parental leave," and added, "Anyone can take parental leave at an appropriate time after consulting with their manager."

The joint annual leave system is a unique employee welfare program established by Atlas Copco Korea. It is recognized as a highly satisfactory system among employees. It involves all employees taking five days off together in a year. When there are no holidays or there is a 'sandwich holiday' month, the company designates holidays at the organizational level. Deputy General Manager Lee said, "Since the whole company takes time off together, it’s easier to plan family trips in advance and take leave without feeling awkward."

Deputy General Manager Lee said that family-friendly policies help improve work performance. She said, "It feels stable in life because I can adjust my schedule to use time for family or personal matters while working, and it fosters a family-friendly atmosphere." She added, "Because of this atmosphere and feeling, I also feel pride in working for a good company, which gives me the strength to focus on my work."

Although Atlas Copco Korea is a foreign-invested company, it was selected as a family-friendly company certified by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family in 2021. Last year, it was also chosen as a family-friendly and good workplace company by Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Economic Science Promotion Agency. Choi Juhee, Director at Atlas Copco, said, "The Atlas Copco Group aims for a horizontal structure that considers local situations and environments rather than a vertical global organization," adding, "Atlas Copco Korea is also making efforts by implementing various institutional programs to create a happy and good workplace for employees in accordance with domestic laws and regulations."

Special Coverage Team 'K-Population Strategy ? Gender Equality is the Answer'

Reporters: Kim Yuri, Lee Hyunju, Jung Hyunjin, Boo Aeri, Gong Byungseon, Park Juni, Song Seungseop
Kim Pilsoo, Economic and Financial Editor