The survey results were reflective of the recent shift in personal values, where more individuals are seeking a higher quality of life and happiness over wealth and social status, officials said. (image: KobizMedia/ Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, April 7 (Korea Bizwire) – A recent study by the YBM TOEIC Commission revealed that work-life balance is most sought after by young South Koreans, reflecting the country’s highly-demanding work environment.
According to the commission’s online survey of 3,294 college students and young job seekers, 43.6 percent (1,435) of the participants said “life that guarantees evening repose, or work-life balance” was the primary condition for their prospective company of choice.
Work-life balance was followed by salary, by a large gap, at 25.2 percent (829). Corporate welfare (17.3 percent), guaranteed retirement age (7.8 percent) and corporate image (6.1 percent) followed.
The survey results were reflective of the recent shift in personal values, where more individuals are seeking a higher quality of life and happiness over wealth and social status, officials said.
A separate part of YBM’s survey also revealed that English communication is a skill that is becoming more sought after by local businesses.
Among the respondents, 41.8 percent said they feel being able to communicate well in English well is essential to finding a good job, with “more companies requiring English speaking test scores, or giving preference to applicants who submit test scores.”
A majority of the respondents were either preparing (58.2 percent) for a TOEIC speaking test or had already obtained a certificate (37.5 percent).
By Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
