KT&G has been recognized for its efforts to support employees' work-life balance by receiving a ministerial award from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. This achievement comes ten years after the company was first certified as a work-life balance organization in 2016.
On November 9, KT&G announced that it received the ministerial award during the '2026 Work-Life Balance Certification Ceremony.'
The work-life balance certification program selects companies and organizations that contribute to the harmonious coexistence of work and leisure for employees. Since its initial certification in 2016, KT&G has continued to be re-certified and received the ministerial award for the first time this year.
A total of 210 companies and organizations applied for certification this year, with 162 ultimately selected. Among these, four, including KT&G, received the ministerial award. KT&G was praised for its various vacation policies and support for leisure activities that help employees maintain a balance between work and personal life.
KT&G operates a system that allows employees to take vacation time in hourly increments to accommodate personal schedules. The company also supports internal club activities and offers various leisure programs, including a library and in-house esports competitions.
In addition to a three-week recharge vacation that can be taken every five years, KT&G provides leave for physical training and family care, aimed at ensuring employees have sufficient rest and time for personal and family needs.
The company has also established policies for employees balancing work and childcare. In 2015, KT&G introduced an 'automatic parental leave system' that automatically converts maternity leave into parental leave without a separate application. According to the company, the usage rate of parental leave has more than tripled since the system was implemented.
KT&G has been running a family-friendly program called 'Harmony at Home' for ten years, supporting activities that involve both employees and their families, such as family photo events.
The company has also expanded its leisure support to the local community. KT&G operates cultural and artistic programs, including performances and exhibitions, at five complex cultural spaces nationwide, providing cultural opportunities for both employees and local residents.
Bae Soo-min, head of KT&G's Sustainable Management Division, stated, "This award recognizes KT&G's management philosophy that balancing work and leisure leads to employee engagement and growth. We will continue to promote a culture that encourages work-life balance."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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