Koreans work from home the least among major countries in the world.

A recent survey conducted by Stanford University and reported in The Economist reveals a striking disparity in telecommuting practices around the globe, with South Korea leading the way for the lowest average of remote workdays. Koreans reported working from home approximately 0.5 days a week, the least among 40 countries analyzed, far below the global average of 1.3 days per week. Interestingly, this survey included a diverse sampling of 16,000 college graduates from various nations, collecting data from November 2024 through February 2025. Canada tops the list with an average of 1.9 days spent working from home, followed closely by the UK (1.8 days) and the US (1.6 days). Other countries like Germany, India, Nigeria, and Brazil also outpaced South Korea, with Japan and China reporting 0.7 and 0.6 days respectively. The researchers attributed these disparities to cultural differences, noting that individualistic cultures tend to embrace telecommuting more readily than collectivist ones. In South Korea, a strong emphasis on face-time and in-person collaboration appears to inhibit the acceptance of remote work. This finding is particularly concerning for younger generations entering the workforce, as reduced opportunities for in-person interaction may limit their professional development and networking abilities. Moreover, while the study recognizes certain beneficial aspects of remote work—such as decreased commuting burdens and increased housing demand—the overall implications suggest a need for reevaluation of workplace norms in cultures like South Korea that prioritize collectivism over individualistic work structures. The researchers expressed concerns that the limited telecommuting options could hinder the younger workforce from fully engaging with their colleagues and mentors, ultimately affecting their professional growth. This survey sheds light on a vital aspect of post-COVID work culture, reaffirming the fact that remote work is not just a trend but a long-term shift that varies considerably based on geographical and cultural contexts. As companies worldwide adapt to hybrid models, it will be interesting to see how South Korea evolves in this regard.