Interpersonal issues drive youth to quit South Korean SMEs, vlogs reveal

Young South Korean employees are frequently leaving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), worsening a chronic labor shortage. A recent study analyzing vlogs created by these departing employees revealed that interpersonal relationships, not pay or work intensity, are the primary drivers of their resignations.

The research, published in the latest issue of 'SME Policy Research' by the Korea SMEs and Startups Institute, highlights that feelings of isolation and conflict within the workplace are pushing young workers to quit early. This suggests that the social dynamics and human connections within a company play a more significant role in employee retention than previously thought.

This finding is particularly concerning for SMEs, which often struggle to compete with larger corporations for talent. The study's focus on vlogs provides a unique, personal perspective on the reasons behind these high turnover rates, offering insights into the lived experiences of young professionals in the SME sector.