Workers In South Korea Research Articles

Customer verbal abuse is associated with depressive symptoms among high-workload cosmetics sales workers in South Korea.

This study sought to investigate whether association between customer verbal abuse and depressive symptoms differed by workload. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 795 cosmetic sales workers at department store in South Korea. Experience of customer verbal abuse over the past one month was measured by using a yes/no question. Depressive symptoms during the preceding week were assessed by using 20 items from the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale. Workload during the past week was measured by asking the number of customers a worker dealt with on average in a day and classified into two categories: 1) Low (15 people or less), and 2) High (more than 15 people). Cosmetics sales workers' experience of customer verbal abuse was associated with a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms (PR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.15-1.63). After being stratified by workload, customer verbal abuse showed a statistically significant association with depressive symptoms among high workload groups (PR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.19-1.79), whereas the association was not statistically significant among low workload group (PR: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.91-1.65). Our findings suggest that experience of customer verbal abuse could have a negative influence on depressive symptoms among high-workload cosmetics sales workers in South Korea.

Acculturation of Chinese migrant employees in the hospitality industry of South Korea: a profiling study

This study investigates the acculturation process of Generation MZ Chinese migrant workers in the South Korean hospitality industry, focusing on their experiences in overcoming language barriers and cultural differences. Employing snowball sampling, the study gathered data through online questionnaires from Chinese employees working in South Korea's hotels and restaurants, yielding 312 valid responses. The findings highlight the influence of individualism-collectivism orientations on acculturation strategies. Workers with a tendency towards horizontal individualism and collectivism generally prefer assimilation, whereas those with a vertical individualism orientation lean towards marginalization. Interestingly, vertical collectivists, who value social hierarchy and group responsibility, show a predilection for both segregation and integration strategies, underscoring the complex nature of acculturation. The study also found that educational level, Korean language proficiency, and length of stay in Korea significantly affect their acculturation strategy choices. Based on these findings, the study provides vital insights into the adaptation processes of Chinese migrant workers in South Korea's hospitality industry and offers theoretical and practical guidance for effectively recruiting and managing foreign employees, particularly those from China.

이주민 취업자의 건강검진 참여와 인구사회학적 및 건강관련 특성과의 관계

Health examinations facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of diseases, contributing to the improvement of individuals’ health and the reduction of the burden on the nation's healthcare services. The purpose of this study was to identify the sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with participation in health examinations among migrant workers in South Korea. This study was a secondary data analysis study using data from the 2022 Gwangju city migrant health status survey. In this study, 243 employed migrants aged 20 years or older were selected as the study subjects. We used 18 variables and conducted logistic regression analyses to identify predictors for participation in health examinations. A total of 66.3% of the subjects participated in health examinations. The factors that influenced health examination participation were industry type (OR=3.99, 95% CI 1.50-10.63), monthly income (OR=4.09, 95% CI 1.48-11.32), and interest in health information (OR=3.27, 95% CI 1.26-8.50). Migrants who worked in agricultural, fishery, and construction industries, had a monthly income of less than 1.5 million won, and had low interest in health information were more likely to not participate in health examinations. To protect the health of migrant workers, institutional improvement is needed to supplement industrial safety regulations and supervision for small businesses in the agricultural, fishery, and construction industries, where migrants are concentrated. In addition, to raise the awareness of migrant workers about the importance of preventive health care, it is necessary to develop and utilize health information that is appropriate for their language and culture.

A Multi-component Living Lab on Health Engagement for Advancing Self-care Agency among Migrant Workers in South Korea: A mixed methods study

Purpose: Migrant workers battle to access health services and adapt to a new culture. Self-care agency can be essential for health self-management. This study examines the effects of a health engagement program to improve self-care agency using a living lab approach among migrant workers living in South Korea.Methods: This study used a mixed-methods design, including a non-equivalent pre-post-test control group and three focus group interviews. Participants included 42 migrant workers from nine countries recruited via flyers, posters, and internet bulletins posted by a migrant community organization. During the 12 weeks, only the intervention group participants received four workshops addressing healthy physical activity, healthy dietary habits, effective cultural adaptation, stress management, and two outdoor cultural activities. They also participated in focus group interviews after the second, third, and fourth group activities and discussed the benefits of healthy behaviors and specific ways to implement them in real life.Results: Participants in the intervention group showed an increase in self-care agency, health literacy, and acculturation after the 12- week intervention. Themes were derived based on the lessons from living lab activities, barriers to health behavior practices, and methods to overcome these.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that multi-component intervention using a living lab effectively increased migrants’ participation in health promotion activities by strengthening health in their self-care agency. The qualitative and living lab approach effectively obtained comprehensive results on strategies to enhance healthy behavior engagement.

Mapping social work challenges and responses during COVID-19: a case study of social workers in South Korea

ABSTRACT This study explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social work practice and how practitioners have responded to practical challenges. The study interviewed 12 frontline social workers at a community welfare centre in South Korea and utilised the concept mapping method to analyse qualitative data. The results revealed five themes: recognising changes in practice, addressing new social risks, reassessing professional roles and responsibilities, improving practices through reflection, and managing emotions and self-care. The study highlights the challenges and opportunities social workers encountered during the pandemic and the need to enhance social workers’ capacity to adapt to new risks. Finally, the study offers suggestions to improve their preparedness for future crises.

Improving Interpersonal Communication Capability Of Indonesian Workers In South Korea

The aim of this community activity is as an effort to improve the interpersonal communication skills of Indonesian workers (TKI) in South Korea. Good interpersonal communication skills are an important key in adapting to different cultural work environments and building effective relationships with colleagues, superiors and the surrounding community. The method used is online counseling. The targets are migrant workers who work in South Korea. The problem solving model used includes: identifying factors that influence the interpersonal communication skills of migrant workers in South Korea, such as differences in language, culture and communication norms. The results and discussion include a review of strategies and approaches that can be used to improve the interpersonal communication skills of migrant workers, including communication skills training, use of modern communication media and increased cultural understanding. Apart from that, this activity has provided important insights for the government, labor placement agents and TKI themselves in their efforts to improve work quality, adaptation and social interaction in their respective work environments.

Non-standard employment and COVID-19 testing in South Korean workers

ObjectivesSARS-CoV-2 testing has been critical in monitoring and containing the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is a dearth of studies on how individuals’ adherence to testing varies according to their working conditions. This study aimed to investigate the association between the type of employment contract and COVID-19 testing among wage workers in South Korea. Study designWe used a nationally representative sample of employees aged 20–65 years collected from March 24 to 31, 2022. To focus on individual responses when the test was recommended, our sample consisted of 1266 participants who had experienced symptoms of COVID-19 or had been exposed to a confirmed case in the household. MethodsWe used multivariate logistic regression to estimate the association between the odds of receiving a PCR test and the type of employment contract while controlling for other potential covariates. ResultsThe percentage of participants who had a SARS-CoV-2 PCR test was 77.8%. After adjusting for all potential covariates, daily workers (OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.70, P = 0.003) and part-time workers (OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.86, P = 0.007) had significantly lower odds of being tested relative to standard workers. Other temporary or atypical workers showed no significant differences from standard workers. ConclusionOur findings suggested that individuals in the most vulnerable job positions, with less job security and working hours, exhibited a decreased inclination to undergo COVID-19 testing. More effective job retention and income support policies are required to improve compliance.

Is Your Degree Worth It? Education-Job Transferability and Job Satisfaction of ICT Workers

Education-job match is known to affect employee job satisfaction, as well as their intention to leave the role. Job satisfaction is a critical part of an employee’s motivation to remain loyal to and employed within a company. However, ICT sector faces significant skill gaps, driven by college education lagging behind ICT employers’ expectations of job skills and experience needed in practice. This article hypothesizes that perceived effectiveness of ICT education in learning job skills (“education-job transferability”) in ICT industries can enhance employee job satisfaction and reduce employee turnover. Using a unique dataset extracted from the Labor Force Survey of ICT Workers in South Korea, this article empirically examines the status quo of education-job transferability in ICT industries and its impact on job satisfaction. This article reveals that ICT education is perceived as less effective for learning job skills than other disciplines’ education. Moreover, a significant stake of ICT graduates plan to do vocational training, suggesting that higher education is not enough to secure ICT-specialized jobs. Consistent with our hypotheses, we found that an education-job transferability enhances employees’ job satisfaction and reduces their intention to leave their current jobs. This article suggests that education-job transferability in Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) industries has a long-lasting effect on both employees and employers, by enhancing employee job satisfaction and potentially mitigating employee turnover.

You make me anxious! Witnessing safety violations during the daily commute and at work leads to employee work withdrawal

AbstractSafety literature has traditionally focused on identifying and managing risk factors that lead to safety outcomes (e.g., injuries, accidents, death) at work. The current study takes a new perspective on employee safety and proposes that safety‐related experience has more general work implications. Drawing on theories of stress coping and workplace anxiety, we test a mechanism on how employees’ daily experiences of safety threats are related to their work behavior via negative emotional reactions. Specifically, we focus on employees’ experiences of safety violations on the way to work and at work during the ongoing struggles with COVID‐19. Our daily diary study (Level 1 N = 778, Level 2 N = 84; office workers in South Korea) shows that experiencing safety violations during the daily commute and at work is associated with increased state health anxiety at work, which then translates into work withdrawal on that day. Furthermore, we introduce organizational safety climate as an important mitigating factor of this stress‐coping process, as such a climate can emphasize management's commitment to safety.

Characteristics of fatal occupational injuries in migrant workers in South Korea: A machine learning study

ObjectiveAnalysis of occupational injuries is essential for developing preventive strategies. However, few studies have evaluated severe occupational injuries in migrant workers from the perspective of gender. Therefore, using a new analytical method, this study was performed to identify gender-specific characteristics associated with fatal occupational injuries among migrant workers; the interactions between these factors, were also analyzed. In addition, we compared the utility of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) with logistic regression (LR) and discuss caveats regarding its use. Materials and methodsWe analyzed national statistics for occupational injuries among migrant workers (n = 67,576) in South Korea between January 1, 2007, and September 30, 2018. We applied an extreme gradient boosting model and developed SHAP and LR models for comparison. ResultsWe found clear gender differences in fatal occupational injuries among migrant workers, with males in the same occupation having a higher risk of death than females. These gender differences suggest the need for gender-specific occupational injury prevention interventions for migrant workers to reduce the mortality rate. Occupation was a significant predictor of death among female migrant workers only, with care jobs having the highest fatality risk. The occupational fatality risk of female workers would not have been identified without the performance of detailed job-specific analyses stratified by gender. The major advantages of SHAP identified in the present study were the automatic identification and analysis of interactions, ability to determine the relative contributions of each feature, and high overall performance. The major caveat when using SHAP is that causality cannot be established. ConclusionDetailed job-specific analyses stratified by gender, and interventions considering the gender of migrant workers, are necessary to reduce occupational fatality rates. The XAI approach should be considered as a complementary analytical method for epidemiological studies, as it overcomes the limitations of traditional statistical analyses.

The role of work-family conflict in the association between long working hours and workers' sleep disturbance and burnout: results from the sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey.

The effect of long working hours on mental health has drawn great social attention in recent years. We investigated how work-family conflict mediates the associations between long working hours and sleep disturbance and burnout. We included 19 159 individuals from a nationally representative sample of workers in South Korea. We decomposed the total effect into a direct effect (long working hours → sleep disturbance or burnout) and an indirect effect (long working hours → work-family conflict → sleep disturbance or burnout). Logistic mediation models were used. Long working hours were associated with increased risks of work-family conflict, sleep disturbance and burnout. The longer the working hours, the stronger the direct and indirect effects. The odds ratios of the direct effects of long working hours on sleep disturbance were 1.64 (95% CI 1.39-1.95) for 49-54 h/week and 1.66 (95% CI 1.37-2.01) for ≥55 h/week; those of the indirect effects were 1.16 (95% CI 1.12-1.21) for 49-54 h/week and 1.27 (95% CI 1.21-1.33) for ≥ 55 h/week. Similarly, odds ratios of the direct effects of long working hours on burnout were 1.18 (95% CI 1.05-1.33) for 49-54 h/week and 1.20 (95% CI 1.04-1.37) for ≥55 h/week; those of the indirect effects were 1.11 (95% CI 1.09-1.15) for 49-54 h/week and 1.20 (95% CI 1.16-1.24) for ≥55 h/week. Our results suggest that work-family conflict mediates the associations between long working hours and sleep disturbance and burnout. Longitudinal studies should be followed to confirm the causal relationship.

Factors Influencing Compliance with COVID-19 Disinfection Safety Guidelines among Disinfection Workers in South Korea

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the global demand for disinfection services. Disinfection work involves specialized expertise in the use of chemicals and equipment. However, many studies have not illuminated the essential knowledge and practices of disinfection workers. This study aims to investigate factors influencing disinfection practices to enhance the quality and safety of infection-control measures. A cross-sectional descriptive study among 215 disinfection workers in South Korea was undertaken. The survey questionnaire was designed to collect information on demographic characteristics, disinfection methods, knowledge of COVID-19 disinfectants and their application, and the use of personal protective equipment. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26. Participants who received COVID-19 disinfection training had more knowledge regarding disinfectant products, demonstrated greater adherence to disinfection guidelines, and used more disposable PPE items. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that being female, completing prior training on COVID-19 disinfection, obtaining disinfectant information through official education, and possessing a subjective awareness of COVID-19 disinfectants and disinfectant knowledge were associated with increased compliance with guidelines for disinfection. This study revealed a gap between perceived compliance and actual knowledge between groups. These findings highlight the importance of retraining disinfection workers, enhancing their qualifications, and promoting responsible disinfection practices.

Intertwined -isms: an exploration of relationships between ageism and sexism in workplace and non-work contexts.

This study aimed to examine the association of workplace-based ageism with (a) ageism in non-work contexts and (b) workplace-based sexism. Data came from an online survey of workers in South Korea, with a sample stratified by gender and age group (N = 600; mean age = 43.6 years, range 20-74). Workplace-based ageism was measured using the Workplace Intergenerational Climate Scale (WICS). Other measures included the Fraboni Ageism Scale (FAS) and the Workplace Sexism Culture Scale (WSCS). A series of logistic regression models for endorsing the most workplace ageism (i.e., scoring in WICS bottom quartile) were estimated. Results showed that with each unit increase in FAS scores, the probability of belonging to the WICS bottom quartile increased by 7% while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics [odds ratio (OR) = 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04-1.10, p < 0.01]. Likewise, when WSCS scores increased by one unit, the probability of belonging to the WICS bottom quartile increased by 8% while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.04-1.12, p < 0.01). Findings suggest that ageism and sexism may be intertwined across workplace and non-work contexts.

Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among Asian migrant workers in South Korea.

The burden of non-communicable diseases is rapidly increasing among young adults in middle- and low-income countries. Asian migrant workers continue to be a significant contributor to South Korea's economy; however, their cardiovascular health is neglected. We explored the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among Asian migrant workers in South Korea. Cross-sectional survey, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure measurements, and biochemical tests including triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, and C-reactive protein levels were conducted in 141 Asian migrant workers in South Korea. The mean age of the participants was 31.3 (5.6) years. Of the participants, 14.8% were current smokers, and 47.5% consumed alcohol. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 32.4%. The prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia were 51.2% and 64.6%, respectively. Of the participants, 98.5% had an increased waist circumference; elevated HbA1C and C-reactive protein was seen in 20.9% and 4.3%, respectively. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 5.5%. Clustering of two or more risk factors was seen in 45% of the participants. Factors associated with a high risk of cardiovascular diseases (clustering of two or more risk factors) were age (odds ratio 1.16, p < 0.01) and smoking (4.98, p < 0.05). The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was alarmingly high among Asian migrant workers employed in South Korea. Efforts to mitigate and eliminate those risk factors are urgently required.

Exploring Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR) in cancer survivors from a medical social work perspective: A qualitative study of medical social workers in South Korea

Background Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR) in cancer survivors has been insufficiently addressed despite its imperativeness in cancer journey. Although several studies have investigated healthcare professionals’ experience with FCR in cancer survivors, a medical social work perspective has rarely been reflected. This study aimed to explore Korean medical social workers’ experience with intervening FCR in cancer survivors. Methods Snowball sampling recruited 12 experienced medical social workers intervening with cancer survivors at tertiary or university cancer hospitals in South Korea. Individual and focus-group interviews (FGI) were conducted with the medical social workers. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by using an inductive qualitative content analysis. Results Content analysis of the interviews extracted the following major themes regarding FCR in cancer survivors. First, when and how FCR among cancer survivors emerged at the early stage of medical social work interventions was identified. Second, how medical social workers dealt with FCR in cancer survivors was illustrated. Third, the responses of cancer survivors to medical social work interventions for FCR were assessed. Finally, the internal and external issues underlying the medical social work interventions for FCR among cancer survivors were revealed and discussed. Conclusion Based on the results, this study suggested the implications on dealing with FCR in cancer survivors in the realm of medial social work profession. Furthermore, it expanded the discussion about FCR in cancer survivors from cancer hospitals to community.

Curriculum Theorizing as Post-Colonial Text: Post-Orientalism and Young Chun Kim’s Life’s Work in South Korea

Research on post-colonial curricula in non-Western countries continues to expand, with contributions from many scholars around the world. Many of these authors argue that post-colonial theories and the implications of those theories can help elucidate how colonial hegemony and ideology have affected the dominant discourse regarding curriculum studies discourse in non-Western nations. Despite the efforts that have been made, the field of curriculum studies in South Korea lacks context-relevant post-colonial perspectives and practical approaches to developing new post-colonial knowledge based on its own language, culture, history, and epistemologies. This article explores the life’s work of one Korean post-colonial curriculum scholar. Based on a document analysis and an in-depth interview process, the following discussion conceptualizes three themes related to post-colonial curriculum studies: (1) production of indigenous qualitative research texts, (2) identification of new curriculum phenomenon from the local, and (3) creation of new concepts and languages for international curriculum research. This analysis can inform how curriculum scholars in South Korea and other non-Western regions approach post-colonial curriculum research in a specific nation.

Association between weekly working hours and risky alcohol use: A 12-year longitudinal, nationwide study from South Korea

We aimed to investigate the association between long working hours and onset of risky alcohol use. We included a nationally representative sample comprising 11,226 workers in South Korea (57,887 observations). The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test was used to assess risky alcohol use. Fixed effect regressions were employed to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of risky alcohol use were 1.08 (0.95–1.22) for 41–48 h/week, 1.12 (0.96–1.31) for 49–54 h/week, and 1.40 (1.21–1.63) for ≥55 h/week, compared with standard working hours (35–40 h/week). ORs (95% CIs) of the association between working ≥55 h/week and risky alcohol use was 1.39 (1.17–1.65) for men and 1.34 (0.98–1.82) for women. Yearly cumulative exposure to long working hours (>40 h/week) is positively associated with risky alcohol use in a dose-dependent manner. For instance, exposure to long working hours for ≥3 years was associated with an increased likelihood of risky alcohol use (OR [95% CI]: 2.20 [1.78–2.72]). Sex-stratified analyses showed that long work hours are associated with risky alcohol use in both male and female workers. Appropriate work-hour policy is needed to prevent workers from risky alcohol use.

Migration, Brokerage and Recruitment

This research examines the unskilled labor migration using private intermediaries in South Korea. The study also reviews the Employment Permit System of South Korea in this regard. The empirical study took place in South Korea with a supplementary trip visiting the migration origin, Bangkok, Thailand. A qualitative method was used with the predominant part being a semi-structured interview with Thai undocumented workers in Daegu. This research fills the gap in the existing body of research by uncovering the process of undocumented labor migration in the discourse of culture of migration. The tolerant practice of the Thai Government towards undocumented workers has set an example to prospective Thai migrant workers who follow the undocumented path to go to Korea. The unique fuzzy attitude of some Thais led them to try their luck without a concrete plan to go to work in South Korea on a whim. The informal brokers find their role even they are excluded in the Employment Permit System of South Korea. They actively convey a positive but biased image of an easy path of undocumented labor migration as an alternative to the formal procedure.

The impact of Covid-19 on the Korean and US labour markets

ABSTRACT This study compares labour market experiences in South Korea and the US at the outbreak of the pandemic and then again in November 2020. We found that the pandemic had the most considerable effect on the not-at-work rate in South Korea and the unemployment rate in the US. We computed concentration indices to measure inequality in the labour markets using education as a socioeconomic ranking variable. Applying a Recentered Influence Function (RIF) regression, we found that unemployment was more concentrated among less-educated workers in South Korea. Still, the not-at-work rate was more concentrated among highly educated workers. While the ability to work from home played an important role in explaining these inequalities, by November 2020, the Korean labour market showed minimal disparities. In general, US workers with lower education levels experienced higher unemployment and not-at-work rates. The capability to work remotely considerably reduced inequality in April, but it did not in November.

Differences in Workers’ Safety Behavior by Project Size and Risk Level of Work in South Korea

Unsafe behavior is the main cause of accidents in the construction industry. Considering the fact that accidents occur more frequently in small projects and on more hazardous works, this study tests the hypotheses that workers’ safety behavior varies (1) with project size, and (2) with the risk level of work. Survey data were collected from a total of 313 construction workers at 21 sites using questionnaires, and the data were analyzed using a series of factor analyses and structural equation modeling. Multigroup factor analysis revealed that the mean safety behavior value for the workers in large projects was greater than that for the workers in small projects, with a statistically significant difference. This indicates that large-project workers tend to behave more safely than small-project workers. However, no statistically significant difference was found for the workers’ safety behavior with regards to the risk level of work. In addition, the differences in the impacts of three factors (management commitment, supervisor’s role, and workers’ perception of safety) on safety behavior depending on the project size and risk level of work were investigated using multigroup structural equation modeling. Management commitment had the greatest impact on workers’ safety behavior in large projects, whereas workers’ perception of safety had the greatest impact in small projects. Regarding the risk level, management commitment had the greatest impact on safety behavior with low-risk work, and workers’ perception of safety had the greatest impact with high-risk work. These results suggest that management commitment is more important to control worker’s safety behavior to prevent accidents for large projects and low-risk works, whereas the workers’ safety perception is more important to prevent accidents for small projects and high-risk works. This study provides a new theoretical basis for explaining the variations in workers’ safety behavior group to group, and facilitates the development of future safety policies and systems. This study also contributes to the establishment of strategic planning and the justification for spending relevant resources to improve workers’ safety behavior.