Large conglomerates in S. Korea change their offices to 'shared workplaces'

'수직적인 업무 분위기' 탈피 위해 공유 오피스 품는 대기업들...기대효과 및 부작용은?

Conglomerates are changing with the times to join the growing trend of communal workspaces.
The concept known as 'shared office' allows employees to move around more freely.
Ko Roon-hee explains further.
Noh Tae-yoon is a manager at SK E&S, an affiliate of one of Korea's largest conglomerates,... SK Group.
Noh's work days are totally different after the company introduced a 'shared' working environment in September last year.
He doesn't have a designated seat... and can work freely in an open lounge.
"I can communicate easily with people from other departments in the company. If I need to cooperate with them, I can work more smoothly than before."
Big conglomerates in Korea are known for a strict 'vertical hierarchy' in the workplace... However, SK Group is calling for a change.
"The atmosphere of 'vertical hierarchy' prevails if seats are designated based on positions. The concept of 'shared workplaces', including open lounges, also encourages more creativity."
The trend is also spreading to financial firms.
Employees at KEB Hana Bank's main business department, started to work in so-called 'smart offices' in 2017.
"The work culture at a bank is much more conservative than you might think. We thought there is a need for change because the world is changing and it is being digitalized."
"Hot-desking and shared offices are also about saving space. This bank was able to create more welfare facilities to its employees...such as this capsule sleeping room."
Experts say the move to communal work spaces reflects companies' will to not only save money,... but also foster creativity.
However, there may also be some negative side effects.
"The shared workplace might negatively affect people's level of concentration. This is because they don't have their own space like they used to.
This expert added that how these shared spaces are implemented and their success at these companies will play a crucial role in whether other companies choose to adopt this style of office.
Ko Roon-hee, Arirang News.