Seongsimdang's Staff Sports Day Announcement Sparks Buzz
"Essential for Company Loyalty" vs "So Outdated"
Company Outings Fade Amid COVID-19 and Other Changes
Seongsimdang, a renowned bakery in Daejeon, announced a one-day closure for an all-staff sports event, sparking an unexpected debate online. Some praised the decision as "good welfare," while others criticized it as "outdated." As work-life balance becomes increasingly valued, discussions have emerged about the significance of company bonding events, which have largely disappeared in recent years.
'Daejeon Landmark' Seongsimdang to Close All Stores for One Day on November 3
On October 20, Seongsimdang announced on its official website, "November 3 is the day of our annual 'One Family Sports Day,' where all employees come together as one," adding, "We will enjoy a lively time and return with even brighter energy." The bakery notified customers in advance to prevent wasted trips, as the event will take place on a Monday, a regular weekday.
Right after the announcement, messages of support flooded online communities. Comments included, "Seongsimdang closing for a day should be announced via a national emergency alert," "Not only is the bread good, but the company culture is also impressive," and "Such organizational culture is rare these days." Some especially noted, "It's essential for fostering company loyalty." A few office workers reminisced, "Sports days were tough, but looking back, they were memorable," and "I wish my company had a culture like that."
"Good Welfare Culture" vs "Rest Is the Real Welfare"
On the other hand, doubts were raised about the effectiveness of company bonding events. Comments included, "Employees would prefer just a day off rather than a sports day," "It's exhausting to have a sports day and then come back to work the next day," "Using the money spent on the sports day to give bonuses and a day off would be real welfare," and "Is there any company still holding sports days in this day and age?"
'52-Hour Workweek' and COVID-19 Have Made Bonding Events Disappear
Company bonding events, once considered annual traditions, have now nearly vanished. Until the 2010s, company picnics and sports days were seen as standard, and holding such events on weekends was common. In some cases, supervisors would even organize private hikes or workshops on weekends outside of official company activities.
However, the introduction of the 52-hour workweek and the COVID-19 pandemic brought about a dramatic shift. Prior to implementing the 52-hour workweek, the government stated in guidelines released in June 2018 that workshops for socializing should not be considered working hours.
According to the "Criteria and Case Studies for Determining Working Hours" published by the Ministry of Employment and Labor at the time, workshops conducted under the direction and supervision of the employer could be recognized as working hours, and any discussions or training exceeding standard working hours could be considered overtime work.
However, it was clearly stated that simple social gatherings or leisure activities would not be regarded as working hours. Since then, weekend bonding events have nearly disappeared, and supervisors privately summoning employees on weekends has become grounds for workplace harassment complaints.
"Weekday Is Fine"... Most Support Bonding Events During Working Hours
Office workers generally responded that holding bonding events during working hours, rather than on weekends, is preferable to regular work. On October 22, a quick poll posted on the office worker community Blind asked, "How would you feel if your company held a sports day (picnic) on a weekday?" Of the 30 respondents, 63% chose "A picnic is still better than work," 23% answered "Just give us a day off!," and 13% said "It's necessary for boosting company morale." Comments included, "If it's a sports day with no after-work dinner, that's great," and "A paid weekday sports day would be nice."
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