Half of SME Workers, Small Business Owners Plan No Children Amid Economic Woes

A recent survey reveals that half of workers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and half of small business owners and self-employed individuals do not plan to have children. This reflects a growing sentiment that balancing work and family life is practically unachievable amid economic downturns and job insecurity.

The survey, conducted by the Korea Federation of SMEs, found that 51.0% of SME workers and 50.7% of small business owners/self-employed individuals have no plans for children. The primary obstacles cited were financial burdens, including housing, childcare, and education costs, with 64.3% of SME workers and 58.7% of business owners highlighting this issue.

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One in two workers at small and medium-sized enterprises and one in two representatives of small businesses and self-employed individuals plan to have no children.

Difficulty in balancing work and childcare was another major concern, cited by 54.3% of SME workers and 45.0% of business owners. A lack of childcare support and infrastructure was also a significant factor, mentioned by 42.7% of workers and 38.7% of owners. Many felt that work-life balance was structurally impossible compared to large corporations or public institutions.

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The primary barriers to childbirth and childcare are financial burdens, difficulty balancing work and family, and a lack of childcare support.

SME workers reported that workplace cultures make it difficult to utilize parental leave systems (63.5%), and the burden on colleagues and employers due to difficulties in hiring replacement staff (46.7%) were key reasons. Small business owners expressed concerns about operational gaps (72.7%) and potential revenue loss (58.8%) if they were to take time off for childcare.

To address these challenges, respondents urged more active government support. SME workers prioritized expanded financial aid (52.0%), followed by expanded parental leave systems (39.7%) and housing support (31.7%). Small business owners called for tailored childcare support (44.3%), financial aid (42.0%), and support for operational gaps (41.3%).

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Respondents called for increased government support, including financial aid, expanded parental leave systems, and housing assistance.