South Korea lowers entry barrier for '10 AM Start Time for Childcare' program

South Korea has removed the six-month minimum employment requirement for its "10 AM Start Time for Childcare" program, making it easier for parents to adjust their work schedules to accommodate their children's needs.

The initiative, introduced in January, allows employees with children aged 12 or younger, or in elementary school, to start their workday an hour later. This change aims to alleviate the burden of morning childcare, particularly around school or daycare drop-off times.

To further encourage adoption, the Ministry of Employment and Labor is streamlining the application process and enhancing financial support for companies. Businesses that implement the program can receive up to 300,000 won per employee per month for up to a year. In the first half of the year, 758 companies applied for the incentive, supporting 1,078 employees, which is about 62% of the year's target. Notably, three out of every ten employees utilizing the program are men, indicating a growing participation of fathers in childcare responsibilities.