Small Enterprise and Market Service Recertified as a Leisure-Friendly Institution

Certification Ceremony Held at the National Museum of Korea on the 9th

The Small Enterprise and Market Service said on November 10 that it had been recertified as a “2026 Leisure-Friendly Management Institution” on November 9.

The Leisure-Friendly Certification System, established under Article 16 of the Framework Act on the Promotion of National Leisure, selects and certifies companies and institutions that set an example by supporting and enabling employees to balance work and leisure. After receiving its first certification in 2024, the Small Enterprise and Market Service has secured recertification and will remain certified from 2027 through 2029.

Han Gihyeon, head of the human resources team at the Small Enterprise and Market Service, poses for a commemorative photo at the 2026 Leisure-Friendly Management Institution Certification Ceremony on the 9th. Small Enterprise and Market Service

In the assessment, the organization received positive reviews for allowing employees to use annual leave freely, promoting flexible work arrangements, working to reduce long working hours, and operating a range of leisure programs and health support systems.

The Small Enterprise and Market Service recorded an annual leave usage rate of 91.5% in 2025. It offers leave in 10-minute increments and, following labor-management consultations, has gradually reduced its overtime limits each year since 2022. It also operates programs to reduce long working hours, including using artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies to automate simple, repetitive tasks.

To support employees’ leisure activities, the organization backs 18 in-house clubs and has expanded partnerships with outside providers for recreational facilities, medical services, and sports activities. It also operates an employee assistance program (EAP) that offers manual therapy; massage and exercise prescriptions to prevent musculoskeletal disorders; stress assessments; and professional psychological counseling. In 2026, it plans to introduce new programs, including long-service leave, perfect-attendance leave, short-term childcare leave, and maternity protection leave.

In Taeyeon, chairman of the Small Enterprise and Market Service, said, “We will continue to foster an organizational culture based on mutual respect and consideration so that our employees can achieve work-life balance and make the most of their abilities.”

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