Improving the efficiency of meetings was one of the principal targets for time management ahead of the full implementation of the 52-hour workweek. (image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jun. 19 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s major commercial banks have begun cutting unnecessary work hours ahead of the full implementation of the government’s new 52-hour workweek policy in July.
The banking sector introduced the 52-hour workweek system earlier this year, but since the actual legal enforcement date is from the first day of next month, it will go into full implementation then.
Banks are implementing or working on a variety of measures to drastically reduce perfunctory tasks, and focus or simplify employees’ work.
According to industry sources, improving the efficiency of meetings was one of the principal targets for time management ahead of the full implementation of the 52-hour workweek.
Bank executives have no doubt realized that if they can reduce the amount of time that employees spend in meetings, they can increase the time available to complete other tasks.
KEB Hana Bank will hold a “One, One and One” campaign starting next Monday.
The “One, One and One” campaign means that meetings should be held once a week, finish within an hour, and data and materials should be distributed one day in advance.
Furthermore, in order to make meetings efficient, banks also decided to purchase alarm clocks and place them in conference rooms.
Shinhan Bank, the country’s largest bank by net profit, requires short meetings to be held standing rather than sitting in conference rooms, while executives receive agendas in advance to increase the efficiency of meetings.
Moreover, banks have set aside intensive working hours to create an environment where workers can focus on their work, while offering employees flexible work hours.
KEB Hana Bank headquarters has set 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. as a time for workers to focus, with its employees asked to refrain from leaving their posts and focus on their work.
Woori Bank introduced a “paperless” system at all its branches earlier this month in an effort to improve business efficiency. With the “paperless” system, employees are using tablet PCs to handle work.
Customers no longer have to spend as much time filling out documents, and at the same time, it reduces the amount of time employees spend doing paperwork.
D. M. Park (dmpark@koreabizwire.com)
