Gwangsan District in Gwangju Codifies Guidelines to Eliminate Workplace Abuse... Implements Preventive Training and Anonymous Surveys

Mandatory Training for Senior Officials
and Operation of Reporting Center
to Improve Organizational Culture

Gwangsan District in Gwangju has codified a set of behavioral standards as guidelines to prevent workplace abuse of power. The district will institutionalize preventive training for senior officials and regular anonymous surveys to assess the work environment, and it has also established a reporting center and procedures to protect victims, all as part of efforts to improve organizational culture.

On June 14, Gwangsan District announced the implementation of the "Guidelines for Preventing and Responding to Workplace Abuse of Power" to foster a culture of mutual respect within the organization.

Gwangsan District Office, Gwangju.

The new guidelines were introduced to prevent human rights violations of employees resulting from outdated practices, abuse of power, and harassment. The key feature is that, whereas prevention of workplace abuse had previously relied on voluntary efforts, the organization has now clearly defined it as a principle that must be observed.

The guidelines apply to all public officials, government employees, fixed-term workers, and security guards affiliated with Gwangsan District.

The guidelines specify eight types of prohibited behaviors, including unfair work orders, harassment, violations of personal dignity, and coercion to attend gatherings or drink alcohol—each involving the misuse of superior status. The procedures also include measures for victim protection and how to respond to reports.

Going forward, Gwangsan District will require mandatory prevention training for all officials at the middle management level and above, and will conduct regular anonymous surveys to assess the overall organizational culture. The results will be used to improve systems, enhance training, and develop measures to prevent recurrence.

A reporting center will also be operated to handle the receipt of complaints, counseling, and investigations related to workplace abuse. The guidelines prohibit disclosure of the identities of whistleblowers and victims, and include measures for prompt separation of concerned parties when necessary to ensure protection.

Park Byeonggyu, head of Gwangsan District Office, stated, "We will establish a public service culture that is not only free from abuse of power but also founded on uncompromising principles," adding, "We will respond firmly to all forms of workplace harassment and abuse of power." He further emphasized, "We aim to build a healthy organizational culture based on mutual respect, consideration, and communication."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.