How the ‘Happiness Workplace Project’ is Transforming Work-Life Balance in Small Enterprises

Jin-seok Park | 2026.04.17

Translation result

From diagnosing workforce operations to linking support programs

Korea

A program to help small businesses in industrial complexes make use of parental leave and flexible work arrangements has officially launched. It is aimed at workplaces that have found it difficult to adopt such policies because of staffing gaps and cost pressures.


On the 17th, the Korea Standards Association (KSA) said the \"Industrial Complex Happy Workplace Project\" began the day before, targeting small firms in four industrial complexes: Gumi, Ansan, Gwangju and Guro.


Led by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the project is designed to support small companies in industrial complexes as they adopt work–life balance policies. Its primary focus is expanding practical use of parental leave, reduced working hours and related measures at the workplace level.


KSA is participating alongside the Korea Industrial Complex Corporation and the Korea Federation of Industrial Complex Employers to provide tailored consulting to businesses located in the complexes.


The consulting goes beyond basic program briefings. Specialists will evaluate each company's business processes and workforce structure, then connect firms with relevant subsidies and support programs and assist through the entire application and implementation process.


Demand for work–life balance policies is growing, but small businesses often struggle to use them because of staffing gaps and financial burdens. This project aims to address those structural constraints.


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