A civic group survey showed that 1 out of 2 office workers has experienced receiving work-related contacts, working, or being called into the office while on vacation.

Workplace Gabjil 119 announced that according to a survey conducted by the polling agency Global Research from June 1 to 9 among 1,000 office workers aged 19 and older nationwide, 48.8 percent responded that they have received work contacts while on vacation.

Responses showed that 37.7 percent immediately handled work from home or a cafe after receiving a contact, while 15.8 percent reported to the office or returned to the work site to handle tasks.

By respondent characteristics, the higher the wage level, the higher the job position, and the longer the employment period, the higher the proportion of respondents who reported receiving work contacts during vacation.

One office worker reported to Workplace Gabjil 119 that a team leader constantly pressured them to upload work documents via a messenger app during vacation, eventually forcing them to work and reply on the messenger while on annual leave.

Another worker complained that due to unreasonable staff cuts by the company, they were pressured not only with high workloads after work hours but also with work contacts and meeting attendance during vacation.

Responses stating that they received work contacts during vacation but notified others that they were on leave and delayed handling the work stood at a mere 15.8 percent.

Amendments to the Labor Standards Act aimed at banning contact outside of working hours were proposed in July and September 2024, but they remain pending in the National Assembly.

Jeong Hee-sung, a labor attorney at Workplace Gabjil 119, pointed out that contacting workers outside of working hours, such as during vacations or after leaving work, is an act of workplace bullying that infringes upon workers' right to rest and forces unpaid labor.