KB seeks to innovate corporate culture

By Lee Kyung-min

Low-ranking female workers at KB Kookmin Bank will no longer be required to wear uniforms starting next year, after the firm relaxes its dress code as part of its initiative to change its rigid top-down corporate culture.

KB is the first bank here to institute the “gender equality” policy.

Wearing uniforms is a requirement in many banks, which value “satisfactory customer service” illustrated by pretty, smiling women in blouses and skirts, often drawing criticism for discriminating against them.

KB said the policy would help the women make autonomous choices in selecting work attire of their own choosing, thereby boosting workplace morale and improving productivity.

The new measure will take effect in May 2019. In the meantime, workers will be allowed to either stick with the current uniform or wear other clothing between Sept. 27 and April next year.

“Workers will largely welcome the measure,” an official from the bank said. “Female workers have long raised the issue over why the company mandated only women wear uniforms. The practice, long sustained because everybody thought it was the way it always has been, will be abolished in a couple of months.”

The women will be free from the stress that they have to look identical at all times, she added. “A woman in certain uniforms is identified by her rank or position in a company, rather than a person with an individual identity and personality. This largely hinders creative thinking and restricts freedom. The new, flexible rule will help improve workers’ satisfaction.”

The relaxed rule is in addition to an earlier one whereby men do not have to wear ties during summer.

Male workers, according to the firm, are able to decide proper attire in accordance with the time, place and occasion, a discretion given to each worker who nonetheless must look professional.

“We are aware of the concerns that not wearing uniforms might get some customer complaints about looking unprofessional, but we have asked workers to make a wardrobe choice that does not draw criticism for looking inappropriate.”

The bank’s measure is in line with many top global firms that achieve success by fostering a laid-back corporate culture where more emphasis is put on creativity rather than conforming to traditional rules.

One of the principle philosophies at Google is “you can be serious without a suit,” which is one of many such firms alongside Apple and Facebook with a casual dress code.