Naver, Kakao adopt more flexible work systems

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Business

Wed, December 6, 2023 | 14:13

Companies

Naver, Kakao adopt more flexible work systems

Posted : 2022-06-20 08:45

Updated : 2022-06-21 14:23

Kakao employees wait for the elevator at the company's headquarters in Bundang, Gyeonggi Province, in this 2014 file photo. Korea Times file

By Kim Jae-heun

The country's top two IT firms, Kakao and Naver, will introduce more flexible work systems starting next month as part of their efforts to retain talented employees, according to company officials, Sunday.

Starting July 4, Kakao employees will have a four-day workweek every other week and will be able to work from wherever they choose. Meanwhile, Naver employees will now choose between two systems ― working fully remotely or working in the office three days a week ― with the additional option of working from shared company offices at various vacation spots for up to five days at a time.

Kakao will roll out its flexible work policy in pilot form on July 4. The company has decided to recommend rather than require ― based on the objections of employees to its proposed Metaverse work system, which led to its cancellation one day after announcement ― that its employees meet offline once a week and use voice-based communication to compensate for issues that may be difficult to solve via online communication methods. Kakao will operate the four-day workweek every other week, giving employees Friday off.

For those who have been working for Kakao over three years, the existing system, in which employees may take 30 days of annual leave, will continue.

"This policy is new and people have just started working with it. I can't say whether everyone is happy with the system, but one day off is definitely welcomed by employees," a Kakao employee surnamed Kang said.

Naver will also adopt its new flexible work system called "Connected Work" from Monday, July 4.

The top domestic big tech firm will operate two systems ― Type O and Type R ― enabling employees to be able to choose one. Every six months, the employees can switch systems depending on their needs.

Employees who choose Type R work fully remotely, while those who choose Type O work at the office three times a week. Those who choose Type O may change the days that they work in the office, and those that choose Type R may go into the office occasionally if needed and work at a shared desk space.

Naver has also developed a lottery program in which 10 employees are randomly selected each week to have the choice to work remotely out of shared offices in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province and Tokyo for up to five days at a time.

"We are satisfied with the company's new system. Some employees live far away from the headquarters and their commute to the office takes more than one hour. Working from home saves a lot of time, and some people can concentrate better in places they are comfortable working in," a Naver employee surnamed Suh said.

jhkim@koreatimes.co.kr