Chungnam Province to Implement '4-Day Workweek' from July...Targeting Employees with Children Under Age 2 and Others

Governor Kim Tae-heum's 'Strong Chungnam Full-Care Support Policy' Initiative

Starting July 1, a four-day workweek will be implemented for public officials with children under the age of two in the Chungnam region.

The province announced on the 27th that it will mandate the four-day workweek in accordance with Governor Kim Tae-heum's "Strong Chungnam Full-Care Childcare Policy."

The four-day workweek applies to 490 public officials raising children under the age of two (up to 35 months old) at the provincial office, affiliated agencies, business offices, 7 cities and counties, and 11 public institutions. Those on parental leave are excluded from the program, and for 7 institutions, the plan will be implemented when conditions such as staffing and labor-management consultations are met.

Eligible public officials will maintain a 40-hour workweek but may work from home one day a week or work concentrated hours. The one day of remote work means working four days in the office and one day from home per week, while concentrated work involves working 10 hours a day for four days and taking one day off.

Additionally, family care time will be expanded for public officials with children aged 9 to 12. They can use two hours of care time per day for up to 12 months.

The province plans to gather employee feedback and develop improvement measures in the future.

Shin Dong-heon, Director of the Provincial Office of Autonomy and Safety, said, "Mandating the four-day workweek will create a flexible work environment where public officials with young children can care for their kids without feeling pressured, contributing to alleviating the low birthrate issue."