Another Office – Jeju Communication and Cooperation Center (Image provided by Jeju Province)
JEJU, Nov. 24 (Korea Bizwire) –A new remote work initiative, Another Office, launched by Jeju Province in March, is drawing attention and positive feedback from public officials.
Designed for civil servants ranked sixth grade or lower, the program allows them to temporarily work from designated public facilities instead of their regular offices.
Originally exclusive to Jeju government employees, the program is now set to welcome public officials from central ministries and other regions, expanding its accessibility.
According to a Jeju provincial official, Another Office has been particularly well-received by younger employees, especially those in their 20s and 30s, who value the opportunity to work in quieter or more convenient locations closer to home.
This initiative comes amidst a growing trend of early resignations among public officials, with young civil servants leaving their posts at increasing rates. Data from the past decade shows that the number of public officials resigning within a year of employment has surged from 538 in 2014 to 3,021 in 2023—a 5.6-fold increase.
Contributing factors include low salaries, high-pressure work environments, and rigid organizational culture.
Each week, Jeju selects 24 public officials to participate in the program, adhering to government telecommuting guidelines. Workspaces include a variety of facilities such as the Jeju Youth Center, Digital Convergence Center, Halla Library, and Jeju Literature Museum in Jeju City, as well as the Jeju Convention Center and natural retreats like the Red Oreum Forest Recreation Center in Seogwipo.
Since its launch, Another Office has hosted 210 participants. Among them, officials from the Korea Forest Service noted enhanced productivity and the chance to experience Jeju’s unique environment, calling it a refreshing and energizing opportunity.
Jeju officials also see broader potential for the program. They hope it could mirror the success of corporate “workcation” programs by attracting public servants from other regions, fostering tourism, and boosting the local economy.
Choi Myeong-dong, Director of Jeju’s Planning and Coordination Office, highlighted the initiative’s dual benefits: “By leveraging Jeju’s exceptional tourism infrastructure, we aim to provide visiting public officials with both enhanced work efficiency and opportunities for rejuvenation, contributing to regional economic revitalization in the process.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
