Workers Are Always Tired (Image courtesy of Yonhap News TV)
SEOUL, Jan. 1 (Korea Bizwire) — Nearly half of South Korean workers hold a pessimistic outlook on their workplace conditions for 2025, according to a survey released on December 31 by civic group Workplace Gapjil 119 and polling firm Global Research.
The survey, conducted among 1,000 workers aged 19 and older between December 2 and 11, revealed that 46.5% expect their workplace environment to worsen in 2025.
This marks a sharp rise of 17.1 percentage points from the 29.4% who expressed similar concerns about 2024 during the previous year’s survey.
The pessimism was most pronounced among vulnerable groups, including workers earning less than 1.5 million won ($1,150) per month (54.7%), employees at small businesses with fewer than five staff members (53.5%), and non-regular workers (50.5%).
Key Workplace Concerns and Hopes
When asked about their top workplace hopes for the new year, a majority of respondents (54.0%) cited wage increases. Other priorities included:
- Job stability and conversion to regular employment (27.9%)
- Reduction in labor intensity and shorter working hours (19.3%)
- Freedom to take leave (17.2%)
- Elimination of workplace harassment (16.1%)
On the morning of December 16, with Seoul’s temperature dropping to -3°C, citizens wearing coats cross the street at Gwanghwamun Intersection in Jongno District, Seoul. (Yonhap)
Call for Government Action
A representative from Workplace Gapjil 119 highlighted the challenges faced by workers, particularly those in low-wage, small-scale, or precarious jobs. “Many workers are entering the new year with fears of deteriorating workplace conditions.
The government must address gaps in labor protections and ensure workers’ rights to rest and work safely,” the spokesperson said.
The findings underscore growing anxieties among South Korean workers, emphasizing the need for systemic reforms to safeguard their well-being.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
