Tug of War Over Core Time System Amid Demands for Remote Work
Internal Conflicts Persist with Each Work System Change
Internal conflicts at Kakao are showing signs of reigniting due to the restructuring of the work system. While the labor union is demanding the revival of the remote work system, the management is opposing this, arguing that a core time system is necessary. The core time system refers to designated hours for focused work. Kakao has previously experienced internal turmoil due to frequent changes in work policies each time the CEO was replaced.
According to the IT industry on the 16th, Kakao's labor and management are currently at odds over changes to the work system, including the revival of remote work and the introduction of a core time system.
The restructuring of the work system began with voices demanding the return of remote work. The labor union gathered opinions from members who want remote work and submitted it as an agenda item for this year's wage and collective bargaining agreement. During the COVID-19 period, Kakao implemented full remote work for over a year before gradually transitioning back to office attendance. Since the appointment of CEO Jeong Shin-ah earlier this year, the company has been operating a full office attendance system.
It is reported that the management recently mentioned the introduction of a core time system. They argue that to revive remote work, focused work hours are necessary regardless of the work location. The proposed method allows employees to work freely from their chosen location but sets 2 PM to 5 PM as core focused work hours. When Kakao implemented ‘Kakao On’ in March last year, prioritizing office work, the core time system was abolished.
The labor union opposes this. They argue that the demand for the revival of remote work is to increase work flexibility, and a uniform core time system contradicts this. When the core time system was introduced in 2022, there was strong internal opposition, leading to a reduction of core hours from 1 PM?5 PM to 2 PM?5 PM. A union official explained, "The management bringing up the core time system again, which faced strong opposition, indicates they have no intention of adopting remote work."
This is not the first time conflicts have arisen over work system restructuring. Every time the CEO changed, the work system was altered, causing ongoing friction. In 2022, when the CEO was replaced four times, the work system also changed four times. These included ▲‘Flexible Work System 2.0,’ allowing organizational units to choose between office and remote work ▲‘Metaverse Work System,’ focusing on voice connection regardless of location ▲‘Pilot Work System,’ which withdrew continuous voice connection and introduced biweekly ‘Nolgum (Playing Friday)’ ▲and ‘Kakao On,’ prioritizing office attendance and reducing Nolgum days.
The current restructuring discussions are also expected to be challenging. For now, Kakao’s labor and management continue to experience difficulties following the breakdown of collective bargaining negotiations. After the negotiation collapse, the labor union secured the right to strike due to the labor commission’s decision to suspend mediation. The union, which has been demanding not only changes to the work system but also the dismissal of some executives and internal audits for management reform, is even considering a strike, leaving many issues to resolve. A Kakao representative said, "There are differences in opinions regarding the work system, and we are making efforts to find common ground," adding, "We intend to continue dialogue with the union going forward."
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