FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                       
Dec. 11, 2024                                
                                             
203 Outstanding Work-Life Balance Companies Recognized for Promoting Workplace Achievement and Life Satisfaction

SEJONG – The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS, Minister OH Youngju) hosted the 1st National Outstanding Work-Life Balance Companies Awards Ceremony, in collaboration with the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL, Minister KIM Moon Soo), the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (Minister AHN Dukgeun), the Korea Enterprises Federation (Chairman SOHN Kyung-shik), the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chairman CHOI Tae-won), and the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business (Chairman KIM Ki-Mun), to recognize and celebrate the 203 companies selected for their exceptional work-life balance practices.

Work-life balance and work-family integration are key priorities that the MOEL has advanced in 2024. Notably, the Ministry has expanded on-site support systems, such as increasing parental leave benefits (up to KRW 9 million per month for couples combined).

As part of this initiative, the first group of outstanding work-life balance companies in Korea was selected, showcasing exemplary practices in areas such as work-parenting balance, flexible work arrangements, reduced working hours, and vacation benefits. These companies receive various benefits, including tax audit deferrals, preferential immigration treatment, technology and credit guarantees, and advantages in procurement. A total of 385 companies applied, with 203 ultimately selected through a judging committee of experts, participating ministries, and economic organizations.

The selected companies are implementing tailored systems to promote work-life balance based on their industry and size, such as work-parenting support, flexible working hours, and reduced work schedules.

For example, Polaris Office (158 employees) provides various support items for pregnant employees and their children, such as stretch mark cream, baby clothes, and bags. The company offers up to two days of remote work per week and flexible working arrangements, achieving a 100% return rate from parental leave.

HD Hyundai Marine Solutions (559 employees) has developed a comprehensive work-parenting balance program, covering everything from pregnancy to schooling. The company operates one of the best daycare centers in the country, offers remote work during pregnancy, provides a congratulatory benefit of KRW 10 million, and extends an additional 30 days of paid leave beyond the statutory 90-day maternity leave.

Thomas (17 employees) supports parental leave to the maximum statutory extent and has established an in-house kids' room, allowing employees to bring their children to work. With 89% of employees having children, the company also boasts a 100% return rate after childbirth.

Geosystem Research Corporation (196 employees) offers 20 days of adoption leave in addition to statutory maternity leave. The company celebrates new births with gift announcements and promotes a congratulatory culture among employees. The usage rate for spousal maternity leave is 95%, while male parental leave is utilized at a rate of 24%, demonstrating strong male engagement in the system.

Some companies are achieving efficiency through flexible working arrangements. KD Energy Co., Ltd. (15 employees) introduced staggered working hours for field employees, adjusting commuting times to cooler periods during summer. After seeing an increase in employee satisfaction, the system was expanded to all job types, achieving 100% participation in flexible work hours.

TESO Engineering (337 employees) introduced a self-directed work system in 2021 to address high turnover rates in the construction engineering industry. Employees can now work at preferred times and locations. The company also transitioned from a designated seating system to a self-directed seating arrangement, expanded break facilities, and saw significant growth, with revenue increasing from KRW 35.9 billion in 2021 to KRW 41.8 billion in 2023, and the number of employees growing from 280 in 2022 to 314 in 2024.

Efforts to reduce working hours are also noteworthy. Newrizon (41 employees), a producer of eco-friendly purification filters, adopted a four-day workweek with 30 working hours (7.5 hours per day) since its founding in 2019, based on the young CEO’s focus on work efficiency. The company has maintained steady sales growth under this system.

GradeHealthChain (25 employees) has implemented a 6.5-hour daily work schedule to foster an environment where employees can perform tasks autonomously and efficiently. The company also supports five days of physical training leave and offers KRW 1 million in training costs, demonstrating a strong commitment to employee well-being. This focus on health and productivity has contributed to sustained revenue growth, and the company has increased its workforce by 20% in 2024.

During the awards ceremony, a hologram performance symbolizing the collaborative efforts of labor, management, and government in creating a work-life balanced society was presented.

Vice Minister KIM Sung-sup of SMEs and Startups remarked, “In the face of the challenges posed by low birth rates and an aging population, it is essential that the government, companies, and society work together to address work-life balance issues.” He added, “We will continue to engage with the small and medium-sized enterprise sector and work with relevant ministries to expand support measures that small businesses can truly benefit from.”