ICT ministry to improve work efficiency

By Bahk Eun-ji

The Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (MSIP) started a “concentrated work program” Monday aimed at improving productivity and allowing workers to have more time with their families.

Workers will be able to concentrate during “core worker hours” between 10-11:30 a.m. during which phone calls, meetings and other non-urgent things are basically banned.

And all meetings at workplaces must last no longer than 30 minutes.

“Staff will earn work hours they can focus on by saving time on unnecessary meetings,” the ministry official said.

Ministry workers have had difficulty taking days off. However, under the new system, all workers will be allowed to use paid leave at least once a month.

The decision came after the ministry announced it April that it would improve its work environment.

The ministry wants a work environment in which employees can spend more time with their families at home.

Most civil servants often work late into the night.

They now will leave at the regular closing time every Wednesday and Friday. They also can wear casual clothes on these days.

The ministry will continue to listen to workers’ opinions to keep improving the working environment.

“MSIP will set up a free bulletin board on “Miraero,” an in-house web portal, which allows employees to suggest ideas for improving work-efficiency,” the official said.