Samsung reportedly tells executives they're working 6 days a week now.
Samsung will soon implement a six-day workweek for its executives, as reported by the Korea Economic Daily on April 18. The Korea-based conglomerate, known for its Galaxy smartphones, flatscreen televisions, appliances, and various other devices, is a prominent player in the tech industry, with substantial quarterly revenues. Following a challenging financial year, the company's executives will now be required to work an additional day.
An unnamed Samsung Group executive told KED, "Considering that the performance of our major units, including Samsung Electronics, fell short of expectations in 2023, we are introducing the six-day work week for executives to inject a sense of crisis and make all-out efforts to overcome it." Samsung Electronics is the flagship subsidiary of Samsung Group.
According to KED, the new policy began for some Samsung executives as early as April. While some executives may have already been working six days, this change makes it a mandatory requirement. This move contrasts with the trend in some Bay Area tech startups, where the four-day workweek gained popularity, particularly during the pandemic. This shorter workweek is supported by progressives like Bernie Sanders.
Although much of Samsung's leadership is based in Korea, some Bay Area executives may be affected by the new mandate. Samsung Semiconductor, a chipmaker, has its U.S. headquarters in San Jose, and Samsung Research America, an R&D arm, is headquartered in Mountain View.
