why governments are pushing for a 4.5-day workweek

the 4.5-day workweek is gaining momentum. the official inclusion of the 'Act to Support the Shortening of Actual Working Hours' in the legislative plan for national issues recently announced by the Ministry of Justice has further increased the possibility of its realization.

korean workers work 1,859 hours per year, which is 142 hours more than the OECD average of 1,717 hours. When converted to a weekly basis, this translates to about three hours more per week. This is not just a problem of long working hours, but also leads to problems across society, such as declining productivity, poor quality of life, and a declining birthrate.

the government hopes to improve the quality of life of workers by shortening working hours, and the increased leisure time will lead to revitalization of the domestic economy, especially in the travel, culture, and leisure industries.

highlights of the Act

the Act focuses on reducing the actual number of hours worked, not just the number of days worked.

guaranteeing the right to disconnect

the right to be unconnected, also known as the "no after-work KakaoTalk law," will be enacted this year. european countries such as France and Italy already have the right to block work contacts after hours, and Korea will finally be able to follow suit.

abolish blanket wage plans

next year, blanket wage plans will be banned. this is a system where overtime and holiday pay is bundled into the base salary, and has been criticized as a major contributor to long working hours. With the abolition of this system, overtime will be fairly compensated and unnecessary overtime will be reduced.

expanding staggered commuting

the staggered commute program, which allows employees to flexibly adjust their commute times, will be expanded. employees will be able to flexibly adjust their working hours based on their personal life patterns and work efficiency.

3-Year Roadmap: A Detailed Breakdown of the Phased Implementation Plan

the government plans to phase in the 4.5-day workweek over three years.

2025 (Phase 1): laying the groundwork

  • legislate the right to be unplugged
  • consider introducing staggered commuting
  • prohibit penalties for taking annual leave

2026 (Phase 2): system overhaul

  • abolish the inclusive wage system
  • consider reducing the statutory working hours
  • discuss reducing overtime hours

2027 (Phase 3): full implementation

  • full implementation of the 4.5-day workweek
  • achieve the goal of reducing actual working hours
  • evaluate performance and develop complementary measures

this phased approach is a strategy to minimize the adverse effects of a drastic change while realizing a steady reduction in working hours.

how the 4.5-day workweek will make a real difference

the impact of a 4.5-day workweek on our lives is bigger than you might think.

achieving work-life balance

with an extra half day off each week, you'll have more time to spend with your family. you'll also have more time to invest in personal development and hobbies. In fact, research shows that organizations that have piloted a four-day work week have seen a significant increase in employee satisfaction.

increased productivity

paradoxically, productivity is likely to increase as the workday shrinks. experiments in Iceland, Belgium, and elsewhere have shown similar results, as workers who are well-rested are more focused.

economic ripple effects

increased leisure time leads to increased consumption, especially in the areas of domestic travel, cultural life, and education. governments expect this to stimulate the domestic economy and create new jobs.

frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q1. Will my salary decrease when the 4.5-day workweek is introduced?

A: No. The Act aims to reduce working hours without reducing wages. in fact, it is likely that you will be fairly compensated for overtime due to the elimination of the comprehensive wage system.

Q2. Will the 4.5-day workweek apply to all jobs?

A: It will be rolled out in stages. initially, it will focus on large companies and public organizations, and will gradually spread to small and medium-sized businesses and various industries. however, essential service industries such as hospitals and transportation will have separate operational plans.

Q3. How will the right to be unconnected be guaranteed?

A: Once the law is finalized, you will have a legal right to opt out of after-hours business contact. employers will be fined for violations, and workers will have a legitimate claim to enforce their rights.

Q4. Will there be any pushback from businesses?

A: It is true that there are some concerns. however, the government will also provide support for businesses. we will provide support for building smart work environments, tax incentives, etc. to reduce the burden on companies and encourage a soft landing.

Q5. What is the situation in other countries?

A: Belgium, Iceland, and some companies in Japan have already implemented a 4-day or 4.5-day workweek. most are reporting positive results, especially in terms of employee satisfaction and productivity.

wrapping up

the 4.5-day workweek is more than just a shortened workday; it's a major shift that will fundamentally change the way we work and the quality of life in our society. if successful, it will usher in a new era of work-life balance as we move toward full implementation in 2027.

what do you think about the introduction of the 4.5-day work week? Share in the comments how you plan to use the extra time you'll have. We'll keep you updated with useful information on labor policy, so don't forget to subscribe and set up alerts!