The Ministry of Employment and Labor announces the work-life balance index in 2024
Second place after Jeonnam
First place in the ‘work’ category due to the introduction of the flexible work system in special and metropolitan cities
![In August last year, the Busan Metropolitan Government is distributing coffee as part of a campaign to support companies and workers visiting. [Busan City]](https://wimg.mk.co.kr/news/cms/202601/05/news-p.v1.20260105.e995359948b64a1da82deb04b4048773_P1.png)
In a major announcement from the Ministry of Employment and Labor, Busan City has secured its position as a leader in work-life balance, ranking second nationally in the “2024 Work-Life Balance Index.” This notable recognition follows Jeonnam, which came first, boasting a score of 75.6 points, while Busan achieved an impressive score of 73 points, significantly improving from previous years.
The “Work-Life Balance Index,” which serves as a critical measure for understanding the equilibrium between professional and personal life, evaluates 25 indicators across five key areas: work, life, systems, local government interest, and bonus points. This comprehensive analysis targets 17 metropolitan and provincial governments across the nation, making Busan’s achievement all the more noteworthy.
Busan’s continuous progress in work-life balance is evident, especially considering its score of just 39.5 points in 2017. The city has made remarkable strides, with a noteworthy gain of 7.7 points this year, up from 65.3 in 2023. Importantly, when focusing solely on the ‘work’ category, Busan ranks first nationwide, propelled by improvements in corporate overtime management, the introduction of flexible work systems, and increased vacation days.
The journey towards better work-life balance in Busan has been systematic and well-supported by local governance. Since the enactment of the Busan Metropolitan Government’s Work-Life Balance Support Ordinance in 2018, a dedicated organization and a work-life balance support center have been established. The government has launched various initiatives to cultivate a culture that values both work and personal time. Programs include special counseling services tailored for professionals, workplace education on maintaining work-life balance, and campaigns to promote family-friendly workplaces.
Moreover, the Busan government has initiated the “Work-Life Balance Week,” which has been celebrated annually since 2018. This week serves as a pivotal platform to raise awareness and foster discussions around work-life balance. Last year’s events featured family-oriented activities such as movie screenings and yacht experiences, garnering positive feedback from citizens who appreciated the opportunity to strengthen their personal connections.
Looking ahead, the Busan Metropolitan Government is set to enhance on-ground policies, particularly focused on small and medium enterprises. With many small businesses forming the backbone of Busan’s economy, targeted outreach and visits to industrial complexes will be prioritized. By doing so, the city aims to ensure that the values of work-life balance permeate throughout its community.
Mayor Park Hyung-joon emphasized the city’s commitment to creating a “work-life balance happiness city” by continuing to implement effective policies that benefit its workforce and citizens alike. The focus will remain on enhancing the supportive ecosystem for both employers and employees in Busan.
