Even Amid Typhoons, Workers Carry Umbrellas... 4 out of 10 Korean Employees Say They Must Attend Work Regardless of Work Adjustment

A survey reveals that over 40% of employees in South Korea do not have the right to adjust work arrangements during natural disasters such as heavy rain, typhoons, or heatwaves. Conducted by the citizens' group Workplace Bullying 119, the poll of 1,000 workers aged 19+ found 43.8% believe flexible work options are not guaranteed. Non-regular workers showed higher rejection rates, with 49.8% reporting no flexibility, compared to 39.8% of regular employees. Nearly 40% admitted to attending work as usual during disasters, despite government recommendations for remote work or flexible hours.