South Korea to shut down computers to regulate work hours
What's the story
South Korea has come up with an innovative idea to prevent employees from working overtime. Starting March 30, on every Friday, it'll shut down computers of all government staff in Seoul at 20:00. At about 2,739 hours a year, South Korean public servants have among the longest working hours in the world, around 1,000 hours more than people in developed countries. Here's more.
The timetable
Initiative to roll out in three phases between March-May
The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) will roll out the initiative in three phases over the coming three months, reported the BBC. -Phase 1: Begins on March 30. Shutdown time — 20:00 every Friday. -Phase 2: Begins in April. Shutdown time — 19:30 on second and fourth Friday. -Phase 3: Begins in May. Shutdown time — 19:00 every Friday.
Reaction
Most South Koreans don't want to be forcefully sent home
The forced lights-out initiative will be applicable to all state employees, though exemptions under special circumstances can be provided, said a statement by the SMG. Interestingly, a majority of government workers (67.1%) have opposed the idea and requested the SMG to be exempted. Notably, South Korea passed a law earlier this month, reducing the maximum weekly working hours from 68 to 52.