KB chief strengthens communication with employees

KB Financial Group Chairman Yoon Jong-kyoo speaks with workers at a town hall meeting at the group headquarters on Yeouido, Seoul, April 29. Courtesy of KB Financial Group

By Lee Kyung-min

KB Financial Group Chairman Yoon Jong-kyoo is enhancing communication with lower-ranking workers to boost their morale and include young voices in the decision-making process.

Yoon held a town hall meeting at the group headquarters on Yeouido, Seoul, April 29, with over 100 bank employees.

At the event, he shared his vision, strategy and business priorities, followed by an impromptu question and answer (Q&A) session.

Similar events will be held at the group's subsidiaries by the end of June, mostly at coffee shops and lounges, in a casual manner with attendees having snacks.

Casual conversations will be held with the employees, allowing them to express their opinions freely, and discuss ways to reinforce a positive attitude towards maintaining a good work ethic.

“The event is intended for an informal, casual get-together, during which Yoon will listen to workers' opinions regardless of their rank or seniority,” a KB official said.

“Listening to the voices of workers is one of the key values on Yoon's priority list, because it will help them to stay focused and motivated,” he added.

This in turn will enhance workers' productivity, naturally translating into an improvement in group-wide performance.

Yoon is among many leaders seeking to change the strict and rigid corporate cultures and norms, which have been considered standard in the financial industry known for its conservative values.