This year, Doosan Group began offering a “Parental Leave Supporter Bonus” of up to 500,000 won ($350) to team members when a colleague takes extended parental leave. (Image courtesy of Doosan Group)
SEOUL, Feb. 25 (Korea Bizwire) — In an effort to support employees taking parental leave, Doosan Group recently implemented an unusual incentive system designed to reward coworkers rather than just the parents themselves.
This year, the company began offering a “Parental Leave Supporter Bonus” of up to 500,000 won ($350) to team members when a colleague takes extended parental leave.
The initiative was highlighted recently when all members of Doosan Enerbility’s Plant EPC Construction Quality Management Team received an unexpected bonus after their colleague, senior manager Hwang Tae-seop, began his parental leave.
Seven colleagues, including the team leader, each received 500,000 won as a gesture of appreciation for taking on additional responsibilities.
“Initially, I felt uncomfortable about burdening my colleagues during my extended leave,” said Hwang. “But knowing they received direct support made it much easier for me to step away.”
This innovative policy emerged from internal survey findings that employees hesitated to take parental leave due to concerns about increasing coworkers’ workloads. A Doosan representative explained, “We wanted to create a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable taking parental leave, and colleagues actively support one another.”
Additionally, to promote childbirth, Doosan raised congratulatory allowances to 3 million won for the first child, 5 million won for the second, and 10 million won for the third and subsequent children. Parental and spousal leave entitlements were also extended by one year and ten days beyond statutory requirements, respectively.
“By enhancing workplace satisfaction and encouraging employees to confidently balance family and professional life, we aim to strengthen our long-term competitiveness,” the company stated.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
