More Proof on the Korean Intense, Extreme Work Ethic

During a discussion I had this past Monday afternoon with a few Korean teachers that come each week for English conversation class, we discussed an article from the NY Times that my dad sent me. The article was about all the new trendy western style brunch restaurants that are becoming quite popular among many of the Koreans in Seoul (now that they recently have the luxury of enjoying 5-day work weeks). The article suggests that a big reason for this was the shift from 6-day work weeks to 5-day work weeks. This has only recently come into existence in Korea over the past 3 years. In 2004, the Korean government passed a law saying that was illegal for companies of over 50 employees to require their workers to work 6-day work weeks. This is a very new concept for Koreans who are used to working their buns off to get ahead, succeed and achieve (for the good of themselves, their country, and the companies they work for). They work relentlessly, day & night at whatever costs necessary to finish a project on time (or usually in record time). I was impressed that the pole my c0-teacher hit, bent, and smashed into was repaired & fixed in less than a week!! Right now any company under 50 employees are not required to give their employees off on Sat, but this law will be changed to mandate 5-day work weeks for ALL companies starting in 2011. It simply AMAZED me to find out how common it is for Koreans to work on Saturdays. Can you imagine the US government requiring companies to force 6-day work weeks?? Whaddya think that would do to the productivity and profitability of US corporations?? Would that go over well? Do you think it would do more to boost & increase profits, productivity & morale?? or do you think it would have an adverse effect on the overall productivity of the company? While talking with my teachers, they informed me that they are required to come in to school on alternate Saturdays. So every 2 weeks they have a full 2-day weekend. This again, absolutely shocked me!! I couldn't believe that they would even fathom coming into school on a Saturday. (they NEVER require/allow any of the English teachers to work on Saturdays). So I took a vote on what they thought about making 5-day work weeks mandatory. While most of the teachers (all but one) were in favor of 5-day work weeks, one woman said she doesn't mind working on Saturday's twice a month because that way she doesn't/can't spend money on others things she may do if she had the day off. I was so shocked and rather intrigued by her response & her rationale. It made me wonder if other Koreans had this same philosophy? I could totally see her point and thought it was an interesting answer she gave me. I wonder if any Americans (or other Westerners) have to same philosophy as this Korean woman. Maybe she is not the norm, and is was just expressing her personal viewpoint with no correlation to how the majority of Koreans feel. I will have to ask other teachers opinions on this debate btw. the 5 & 6 day work week and will get back to you soon. Until Next time
Have a Great Night & always remember to:

Live With Passion!!!