Workplace bullying and other harassment are considered the most difficult internal grievances to resolve in South Korean workplaces. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 26 (Korea Bizwire) – According to a recent survey, workplace bullying and other harassment are considered the most difficult internal grievances to resolve in South Korean workplaces. The Central Labor Commission (CLC) shared these findings in the winter issue of its labor dispute resolution guidebook, “Conciliation and Judgment,” published on December 25.
The survey, conducted between the November 13 and 30, aimed to actively seek solutions for workplace grievances. It included responses from 560 members and investigators of the Labor Commission and 1,039 general public respondents.
Most respondents indicated that internal grievance mechanisms within workplaces are not being utilized effectively. When asked if their workplaces have grievance systems, 44.3% of the general public respondents stated there were none or were unsure, and of the 55.6% who said such systems existed, only 19.1% felt that workplace grievances were being properly addressed through these systems.
Both commission members and investigators also showed skepticism about the effectiveness of internal grievance procedures, with only 16.5% responding positively. ‘Average’ responses accounted for 43.6%, while 40% responded negatively.
The survey highlighted ‘a fair process’ as the most necessary element for the effective operation of grievance mechanisms. When asked about the most challenging internal issues to resolve, 42.3% of the public and 40.4% of commission members and investigators identified bullying and other harassment. Discriminatory treatment, sexual harassment, and verbal abuse were also major concerns.
Many respondents believed that external experts could aid in resolving workplace grievances by acting as fair arbitrators or mediators.
The survey also explored agreement levels with an adage that translates roughly to “Break up fights and encourage negotiations,” finding that men, as well as individuals of higher age and position, showed greater agreement. The CLC interprets this saying to mean “get involved in disputes to facilitate negotiations,” suggesting that agreement implies a tendency to prioritize amicable resolutions over conflict.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
