Morning commuters wearing masks crowd the platform at the Sindorim subway station in Seoul on Aug. 18, 2020. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, June 28 (Korea Bizwire) — With social distancing measures and quarantine policies gradually being phased out as a growing number of Koreans are vaccinated, an increasing number of companies are ending work-at-home policies and asking employees to return to the office.
While these measures are being welcomed by many, there are concerns over readjusting to ‘normal life,’ as workers have to struggle with rush hour, business gatherings and make-up.
“I bought new makeup for the first time in 12 months, and I was surprised how expensive its was,” said a 29 year-old female office worker surnamed Jin. “I was a bit frustrated over how I’ve been wasting so much money on something I don’t really like.”
Returning to the office isn’t ideal for men either.
“Our company is quite conservative, and we have to wear suits in the summer,” said Han, a 31 year-old male office worker. “Ever since I returned to the office, I spend almost every evening ironing my shirt for the next day.”
Some people are sticking to no makeup or lighter clothing even as social distancing measures are being lifted.
“Wearing a protective mask was uncomfortable at first, but now that I got used to it, I can’t remember how I was able to put up with full makeup in the past,” said a 32 year-old female office worker surnamed Song.
“I don’t plan on taking off my mask this year, even if I get vaccinated.”
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
